The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) is ramping up its tree-planting efforts. This initiative celebrates its 10th anniversary, aiming to fight desertification and restore lands in northern Nigeria.
On August 3, 2025, Director-General Saleh Abubakar announced a large-scale tree planting campaign in Maimalari, Yobe State. During this event, he shared that states including Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara would each receive at least 800,000 seedlings.
Abubakar introduced a modern way of planting trees that communities can integrate into their farms and homes. The agency plans to distribute five million improved date palm seedlings and five million assorted varieties to combat desert encroachment.
“Each date palm can yield up to 100kg of fruit each year. This project is about more than just greenery; it’s about boosting local economies,” he noted.
Yobe’s Governor, Mai Mala, praised the agency’s work. Represented by Environment Commissioner Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, he reiterated the need for more action against desertification. They highlighted a decade-long partnership with NAGGW aimed at reclaiming land.
The Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Suleiman, emphasized the urgency of the campaign, noting how advancing sand dunes from the Sahara affect northern Yobe. He urged community members to care for the newly planted trees and warned against cutting them down, stressing that those who do will face legal consequences.
The NAGGW is Nigeria’s commitment to the African Union’s Great Green Wall initiative, which aims to halt the Sahara’s expansion through afforestation and land rehabilitation. Recent data shows that desertification threatens over 15% of Nigeria’s land. This initiative aims to reverse that trend.
Experts agree that tree planting can significantly reduce soil erosion and improve air quality. A 2021 study showed that for every tree planted, an estimated 2.5 tonnes of CO2 is removed from the atmosphere annually. It’s clear that these efforts can make a big difference for communities and the environment.
In conclusion, the NAGGW’s tree planting efforts not only support the environment but also aim to empower local communities economically. By taking collective action, communities can create a greener, more sustainable future.
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Desertification,National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW),Tree Planting,Yobe State
