The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated a one-million-tree-planting campaign at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, in a move aimed at tackling climate change, desertification, deforestation and biodiversity loss across the country.
The initiative, a partnership involving the Africa Finance Corporation, the Nigerian Defence Academy and Fifth Chukker, was launched at the NDA Biodiversity Conservation Centre in Kaduna.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Environment, Abubakar Buba, described the project as a landmark environmental intervention with far-reaching ecological and socio-economic benefits.
He said Kaduna State was facing mounting environmental challenges, including advancing desertification in the northern axis and persistent deforestation in the southern parts, which continue to threaten biodiversity, water resources and agricultural productivity.
“Kaduna stands at a critical ecological crossroads. To our North, desertification continues its relentless march, while to our South, deforestation has steadily eroded forest cover that once moderated rainfall patterns and protected vital watersheds,” Buba said.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the Federal Ministry of Environment’s commitment to sustainable environmental management and climate resilience.
The commissioner commended the collaboration between the AFC and the NDA, noting that the academy’s conservation area provided the institutional framework and security required to ensure the success of the reforestation programme.
He said the planned planting of one million trees would go beyond symbolism to deliver measurable environmental benefits.
“The planting of one million trees represents a significant ecological intervention capable of sequestering substantial quantities of carbon dioxide while advancing Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement,” he said.
Buba added that the project’s emphasis on creating a natural and self-sustaining forest ecosystem, rather than a monoculture plantation, would strengthen biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection and ecosystem resilience.
He assured the partners of continued government support, disclosing that the Kaduna State Government had previously supplied 10,000 tree seedlings to the NDA, all of which had been successfully planted and were thriving.
Speaking at the event, the President and Chief Executive Officer of AFC, Ismail Zubairu, said the initiative underscored the organisation’s commitment to environmental sustainability and long-term development.
“We have not gathered merely to plant trees. We have gathered to plant a promise — a promise to this land, to the communities around it, and to future generations,” he said.
Zubairu observed that environmental degradation, deforestation and biodiversity loss remained major obstacles to sustainable development in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.
He stressed that environmental stewardship formed a critical part of AFC’s development mandate, insisting that economic growth and environmental conservation must progress hand in hand.
The AFC boss described the NDA as an ideal partner, citing its ambition to develop the country’s largest man-made conservation centre and a leading hub for biodiversity and sustainability research.
He disclosed that AFC had adopted a model in which the corporation would plant two additional trees for every tree sponsored by its staff members.
According to him, the initiative extends beyond tree planting to include conservation research, environmental education, skills development, green job creation, and the establishment of a nursery and future seed bank for threatened plant species.
In his welcome address, the Commandant of the NDA, Major-General, described environmental degradation as a national security issue requiring urgent and collective action.
“Environmental security is national security. A nation cannot be secure if its land is barren, its water is scarce, and its air is compromised,” he said.
Olatoye said the academy established the Biodiversity Conservation Centre two years ago to conserve indigenous flora and fauna, restore ecological balance and support environmental research and training.
He noted that the newly planted trees would contribute to carbon capture, erosion control and environmental education for future military leaders.
The commandant also commended AFC for demonstrating that financial institutions could play a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability and national development.
He urged officers, cadets and staff of the academy to embrace environmental stewardship as part of their duty to safeguard the nation’s future.
