Sokoto targets 500,000 trees in 2026 planting campaign

Sokoto State government has commenced its 2026 tree-planting campaign, targeting 500,000 seedlings across the state’s 23 local government areas.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu flagged off the campaign on Tuesday at Gidan Man Ada Housing Estate, urging residents to support efforts to tackle desertification, deforestation and climate change.

Aliyu said the exercise was not just about planting trees but about “planting hope, protecting our future and securing life for generations yet unborn.”

He said trees provide clean air, shade, food and wood while protecting the soil, supporting rainfall and providing habitats for wildlife.

The governor expressed concern over the indiscriminate felling of trees and destruction of forests, particularly in the name of road construction and other development projects.

He said such practices were worsening desertification and other environmental challenges affecting communities and livelihoods.

“By planting trees, we are fighting against these problems and safeguarding our environment,” Aliyu said.

He disclosed that the Ministry of Environment has procured economic and environmental seedlings for distribution to the 23 local government areas.

The governor directed council chairmen to collect their allocations and commence planting immediately.

He stressed that the campaign must go beyond planting, urging residents to nurture and protect the trees until maturity.

Aliyu also directed local councils to intensify public enlightenment, especially in rural communities, on the dangers of indiscriminate tree felling.

“Sokoto, as we all know, is located in the Sahelian region and is therefore prone to desert encroachment, which is advancing at an alarming rate. We must rise to the challenge,” he said.

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He further directed that any tree cut down where necessary must be replaced and protected until maturity.

The governor urged residents to embrace tree planting, saying collective action will make communities greener, healthier and more beautiful.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the Great Green Wall Initiative aimed at tackling climate change, erosion and desert encroachment.

Commissioner for Environment, Nura Shehu Tangaza, said the campaign was the administration’s fourth annual tree-planting exercise since 2023.

He recalled that previous campaigns were held at FCE Gidan Madi in 2023, Wajake Housing Estate in 2024 and Sokoto New City in 2025.

Tangaza said the ministry had adopted a more aggressive approach this year, using climate-resilient seedlings, including economic trees and shelterbelt species.

“Our focus this year extends beyond public spaces. We are targeting households, schools, religious centres and farm plots to ensure a widespread green canopy,” he said.

He warned that the ministry would enforce environmental laws against indiscriminate logging, bush burning and forest encroachment.

“We cannot plant trees aggressively while allowing reckless deforestation to undermine our progress,” Tangaza said.

The Chairman of Wamakko Local Government Area, Hon. Umar Ahmad Dundaye, pledged the council’s support and promised to mobilise district heads, councillors and youth groups to plant and protect the seedlings.

The ceremony ended with the symbolic planting of trees by Governor Aliyu and other dignitaries.