At the celebration of its 10th anniversary, held in Dutse capital Jigawa state, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has unveiled an ambitious new plan: to plant seven billion trees across Nigeria over the next five years.
A defining feature of this massive campaign is its unique focus on biodiversity preservation, with special emphasis placed on reviving threatened traditional and indigenous tree species.
Experts , and environmentalists hail the planting of native trees as one of the most effective and multifaceted actions to improve Nigeria’s environment, boost local economies, and enhance community well-being.
The initiative of preserving traditional/indigenous trees I is regarded as a critical investment in a healthier, and more resilient future.
Research indicates that many of our traditional trees are at risk of extinction due to a lack of concerted effort to plant them, despite their immense environmental and economic value.
According to the Director-General of the Agency, Mr. Saleh Abubakar, stated that “Many of these species are vital sources of food and medicine, deeply linked to our natural heritage and social fabric.”
Over the past decade since its creation, the NAGGW has consolidated its operational mechanisms, It successful raised and planted over 50 million trees of various species.
The Agency has also conducted robust public enlightenment campaigns for public participation in in environmental and ecological protection, million of such trees are now growing very at various site of Shelter -belt, public and private places
These achievements stand as a testament to its capacity to execute this significantly expanded project projected to be accomplished in five years.
The urgent need for such initiatives is clear. Hundreds of Communities across the nation are witnessing the severe negative impacts of environmental degradation, including erosion, desertification, and global warming. Millions have lost their livelihoods, and many have been displaced, with the menace continuing to grow.
The NAGGW was established specifically to combat these challenges and preserve ecological biodiversity. A key example is the date palm, a traditional tree of great economic value, which is now a priority.
The Agency has included a target of 50 million date palms within the larger 7-billion tree campaign.
NAGGW initiative ingeniously combines its tree-planting mission with economic empowerment, building the capacity of local communities to actively participate and benefit. This community-focused approach is seen as essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project and maintaining public interest.
Under the mega campaign, seedlings of traditional trees such as the Tamarind (Tsamiya), Locust beans (Dorawa), and others will be raised and planted across the 11 frontline states most vulnerable to desertification.
More so the agency will strengthen public campaign promoting environmentally friendly activities, including using environmental friendly energy (Clean energy) for powering machinery and cooking, mining, construction, agriculture, among others,” NAGGW Director-General stated.
The tree planting will be in two aspects that officials and public with robust mechanism that will ensure the nursing and protection of the trees to maturity.
The advantages of planting these native species are vast. Unlike non-native trees, traditional species have co-evolved with local wildlife over providing the specific food and shelter that native insects, birds, and mammals need to survive.
They are also inherently adapted to local climate conditions, making them more drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and better able to withstand extreme weather. This natural resilience makes them a more sustainable and low-maintenance choice, requiring less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.
Ultimately, these trees are more than just plants; they are deeply woven into the history and identity of the region, sustaining both the inherited ecosystem and the communities that have depended on them for generations.
