Sokoto Govt Begins Tree Planting Drive With 500,000 Seedlings Target

Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu, has called on residents to support Federal Government efforts to combat desertification and other environmental challenges through massive tree planting and sustainable land management.

The Governor made the call on Tuesday during the flag-off of the 2026 tree-planting campaign at Gidan Man Ada Housing Estate, where he announced the distribution of 500,000 seedlings across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas.

He said the initiative was not merely about putting seedlings in the ground, but about “planting hope, protecting our future and securing life for generations yet unborn.”

According to him, trees serve as the “lungs of the earth” by providing clean air, shade, food and wood, while also protecting the soil from erosion, attracting rainfall and providing habitats for wildlife.

The Governor, however, expressed concern over the indiscriminate cutting of trees and destruction of forests in the name of development, particularly road construction and building projects.

He warned that such practices contribute to desertification, climate change and other environmental problems that negatively affect communities and livelihoods.

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

Governor Aliyu disclosed that the state government, through the Ministry of Environment, had procured economic and environmental tree seedlings for distribution to the 23 local government areas of the state.

He directed all local government council chairmen to liaise with the Ministry of Environment, collect their respective allocations and commence tree planting immediately.

The Governor stressed that the seedlings must not only be planted but also properly nurtured and protected until they mature and provide the intended benefits to the people.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to support initiatives aimed at environmental protection through afforestation, sustainable land management and climate resilience.

Governor Aliyu urged residents to desist from unnecessary tree felling, stressing that everyone has a role to play in protecting the state from desert encroachment.

“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 and do what is necessary,” he said.

He directed local government chairmen to pay greater attention to tree planting in their domains and educate rural dwellers on the implications and severe consequences of indiscriminate tree cutting.

The Governor further directed that where it becomes necessary to cut down a tree, it must be replaced, and concrete measures put in place to nurture and protect the new tree.

He appealed to residents to approach tree planting with passion, love and care, noting that collective effort would make communities greener, healthier and more beautiful.

“As Muslims, we all know the position of our religion on the benefits of tree planting and the reward attached to it. In fact, planting trees can be a Sadaqah Jariyah, whose reward continues even after death,” he said.

Governor Aliyu also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the Great Green Wall Initiative, which he said was aimed at combating climate change, erosion, desert encroachment and other environmental challenges across the country.

He thanked the people of Sokoto State for their continued support and prayers for his administration, and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in the state and Nigeria.

In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nura Dalhatu Shehu Tangaza, said the event marked the 4th annual tree-planting campaign since Governor Aliyu assumed office in 2023.

“The first campaign was at FCE Gidan Madi in September 2023. The second was at Wajake Housing Estate on 21st August, 2024. The third was at Sokoto New City on 29th August, 2025. Today, 1st September, 2026, we gather at Gidan Man Ada Housing Estate for the 4th campaign,” he said.

The Commissioner expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his prompt approval, consistent support and commitment to the fight against land degradation.

He said the support had enabled the Ministry to restore degraded areas and combat desertification across the state.

Tangaza commended the Governor, describing him as “the green Governor of our time.”

“In the history of Sokoto State, we have rarely witnessed a leader who confronts environmental challenges with such rapid, decisive and aggressive political will.

“We pledge our total loyalty and dedication to achieving your strategic blueprint for a healthier, safer and more prosperous Sokoto State,” he said.

The Commissioner said the Ministry had adopted an aggressive approach for 2026, with climate-resilient seedlings ranging from economic trees to shelterbelt species to be distributed statewide.

“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 added.

He warned people against reckless deforestation, adding that the Ministry would strictly enforce environmental laws against indiscriminate logging, bush burning and forest encroachment.

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

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of Wamakko Local Government Area, Hon. Umar Ahmad Dundaye, thanked the Governor for choosing the area for the flag-off of this year’s tree planting campaign.

He assured the government of the council’s full support and cooperation to ensure the success of the exercise, and pledged to mobilise district heads, councillors and youth groups to ensure that seedlings allocated to Wamakko are planted and protected.

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