Sokoto Govt Flags Off 2026 Tree-Planting Campaign, Targets 500,000 Seedlings Across 23 LGAs

The Sokoto State Government has commenced its 2026 tree-planting campaign, targeting the distribution and planting of 500,000 seedlings across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu flagged off the exercise on Tuesday at Gidan Man Ada Housing Estate, urging residents to support government efforts to tackle desertification, land degradation and other environmental challenges through tree planting and sustainable land management.

The governor said the initiative was designed not only to increase tree cover but also to protect the environment and safeguard the livelihoods of present and future generations.

According to him, trees play vital roles in maintaining environmental balance by providing clean air, shade, food and wood, while helping to prevent soil erosion, support rainfall and provide habitats for wildlife.

Aliyu expressed concern over the indiscriminate felling of trees and destruction of forests, particularly in the name of development, warning that such practices could worsen desertification, climate change and other environmental problems.

He disclosed that the state government, through the Ministry of Environment, had procured economic and environmental seedlings for distribution to the 23 LGAs.

The governor directed local government chairmen to liaise with the Ministry of Environment, collect their allocations and commence planting immediately.

He stressed that planting the seedlings was only the beginning, insisting that adequate measures must be taken to nurture and protect the trees until maturity.

“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,” Aliyu said.

He further directed local government authorities to sensitise rural communities on the dangers of indiscriminate tree felling and ensure that any tree removed for legitimate reasons is replaced.

The governor called on residents to embrace tree planting as a collective responsibility, saying sustained efforts would make communities greener, healthier and more attractive.

He also noted the religious significance of planting trees, describing it as a potential Sadaqah Jariyah whose benefits and rewards can continue beyond one’s lifetime.

Aliyu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Great Green Wall Initiative, which he said was contributing to efforts to address climate change, erosion, desertification and other environmental challenges.

Ministry Targets Wider Coverage

The State Commissioner for Environment, Nura Dalhatu Shehu Tangaza, said the 2026 campaign marked the fourth annual tree-planting exercise organised since Governor Aliyu assumed office in 2023.

He recalled that the first campaign was held at the Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi, in September 2023, followed by Wajake Housing Estate in August 2024 and Sokoto New City in August 2025.

Tangaza said the ministry had adopted a more aggressive approach for this year’s campaign, with climate-resilient seedlings, including economic trees and shelterbelt species, to be distributed across the state.

He said the 2026 programme would extend beyond public spaces to include households, schools, religious centres and farmlands in an effort to create a wider green canopy across Sokoto.

The commissioner commended Governor Aliyu for his support and commitment to combating land degradation and described him as “the green Governor of our time.”

He, however, warned against reckless deforestation, bush burning, indiscriminate logging and encroachment on forest areas, stressing that environmental laws would be enforced against violators.

Wamakko Council Pledges Support

The Chairman of Wamakko Local Government Area, Umar Ahmad Dundaye, thanked the governor for selecting the area to host the flag-off ceremony.

Dundaye pledged the council’s full cooperation and said district heads, councillors and youth groups would be mobilised to ensure that seedlings allocated to the local government are planted and adequately protected.

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