A New Dawn for Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria
During a recent state visit to Ethiopia, the Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, had the opportunity to witness and engage with several key agricultural and industrial facilities. The trip included visits to the Adama Dairy Farms, the Luke Avocado Nursery, the Shera Dibandiba Mojo Family Integrated Farm, the Biyyo Poultry Farm, and the Bishoftu Pea Farm. These visits were aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and Ethiopia, particularly in the areas of agriculture and industrial development.
One of the highlights of the visit was the launch of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, an ambitious program that has inspired many across Africa. Reflecting on this initiative, the Vice President expressed his intention for Nigeria to plant 20 billion trees starting from the next rainy season. This plan is part of broader efforts to promote reforestation and environmental sustainability.
The Vice President emphasized that Ethiopia has set a powerful example by mobilizing its population towards a common goal. He stated, “We intend to plant 20 billion trees in the next rainy season. It requires a lot of planning, energy, and drive, which Ethiopia was able to galvanize its population into doing.”
This declaration has sparked both excitement and scrutiny. While some question whether it stems from a well-articulated policy or simply admiration for Ethiopia’s achievements, the idea itself seems to be gaining momentum. As Victor Hugo once said, “No force on earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” However, tree planting on such a massive scale should have started decades ago and continued consistently.
Historically, there have been efforts to combat desertification and promote environmental sustainability in Nigeria. Musa Daggash, a former permanent secretary and minister, was known for his dedication to planting neem trees in the Sahelian regions. Between 1949-1950, he planted 43,000 neem trees in Maiduguri and another 100,000 in the defunct Borno Province. These efforts led to the creation of several forestry reserves managed by trained forestry officers. Unfortunately, these initiatives eventually waned.
Over time, forest reserves were taken over by wealthy individuals and land speculators, while forestry officers were sidelined. Subsequent tree planting campaigns became hollow rituals, often conducted without proper community engagement. Traditional rulers would plant trees under the spotlight but failed to educate their subjects on the importance of the exercise. Trees were felled frequently for cooking, with little effort to replace them.
This neglect led to severe consequences, including the encroachment of the Sahara Desert and the degradation of once-vegetated areas in the north. The resulting environmental challenges have caused forced migration, climate change, and violent conflicts between farmers and herders. Additionally, extreme weather events like the 2022 floods devastated large parts of the country, displacing millions and causing significant loss of life and property.
The frequency and severity of these disasters highlight the urgent need for action. Planting trees on a large scale is no longer a choice but a necessity. Climate change poses an existential threat, and immediate steps must be taken to mitigate its effects.
To ensure success, the government must lead by example, demonstrating resolve and commitment. Forestry officers should be reactivated and empowered to perform their duties effectively. Nigerians must also be educated on the importance of tree planting, making it a continuous and sustained activity rather than a one-time event.
Various agencies, including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the media, traditional rulers, NGOs, faith-based organizations, and youth and women groups, should be involved in raising awareness. They should emphasize that tree planting is a solution to climate change, desertification, and farmer-herder conflicts. It can also enrich soil fertility and improve weather conditions.
In addition to planting trees, Nigerians must avoid indiscriminate felling. The use of gas for cooking should be encouraged as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative. The government can support this by making gas more affordable and accessible.
By embracing tree planting as a way of life and culture, Nigeria can work towards a more sustainable future. The lessons from past efforts and the inspiration from Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative provide a solid foundation for this transformation. It is better late than never, and the time to act is now.
