The federal government says it plans to plant and nurture 20 billion trees over the next five years as part of efforts to combat climate change, restore degraded landscapes, and strengthen environmental sustainability.
Speaking on Tuesday at the commemoration of the 2026 World Environment Day and the flag-off of the 2026 National Tree Planting Exercise in Abuja, Balarabe Lawal, minister of environment, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Lawal described the target as “ambitious and transformative”, saying it would support landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, agroforestry development, urban greening, shelterbelt establishment, and community forest restoration.
Our national target is ambitious and transformative. This effort will support landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, watershed protection, agroforestry development, urban greening, shelterbelt establishment, and community forest restoration,” he said.
The minister said the commitment reflects the Tinubu administration’s focus on environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and responsible natural resource management.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 World Environment Day, ‘Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future: Climate Solutions for a Resilient Future’, Lawal said climate action is no longer optional but a development imperative.
According to him, ongoing measures include the implementation of Nigeria’s nationally determined contributions (NDC 3.0), the circular economy roadmap, green bond financing initiatives, and the carbon market activation framework.
“These initiatives are designed to attract climate finance, create green jobs, and support Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy,” the minister added.
