Sokoto aims for 500,000 trees as Aliyu halts 2026 planting campaign

The Sokoto State Government has kicked off the tree planting campaign in 2026 with an aim to plant 500,000 seedlings across the 23 local government areas of the state.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who flagged off the campaign on Tuesday at Gidan Man Ada Housing Estate, urged residents to support government efforts to combat desertification, deforestation and other environmental challenges.

He said the operation was not simply about putting seedlings in the ground, but about “planting hope, protecting our future and ensuring life for generations yet unborn.”

According to him, trees provide clean air, shade, food and wood, while helping to protect the soil from erosion, attracting rainfall and providing habitat for wildlife.

The governor expressed concern over the indiscriminate felling of trees and destruction of forests in the name of development, especially road construction and housing projects.

According to him, such practices are contributing to desertification, climate change and other environmental challenges, with negative effects on communities and livelihoods.

“By planting trees we fight against these problems and safeguard our environment,” he said.

Aliyu revealed that the state government, through the Ministry of Environment, had procured economic and environmental seedlings for distribution across the 23 local government areas.

He ordered local government chairmen to cooperate with the Ministry of Environment, collect their allocations and start planting immediately.

The governor stressed that the operation should not end with the planting of seedlings, but that the trees must be properly nourished and protected until maturity.

He also directed councils to step up public information, particularly among rural residents, about the dangers of indiscriminate felling of trees.

“Sokoto, as we all know, is located in the Sahel region and is therefore subject to desert encroachment, which is advancing at an alarming rate. We must rise to the challenge and do what is necessary,” he said.

Aliyu also ordered that where a tree had to be felled, it should be replaced and adequately protected until it matured.

He urged residents to embrace tree planting with commitment, saying collective action would help make communities greener, healthier and more beautiful.

“As Muslims, we all know our religion’s stand on the benefits of tree planting and the reward attached to it. Indeed, planting trees can be a Sadaqah Jariyah, the reward of which continues even after death,” he said.

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the Great Green Wall initiative, which he said aims to address climate change, erosion and desert encroachment across the country.

He thanked the people of Sokoto State for their continued support and prayers for his administration and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in the state and country.

“We address families, schools, farms”

Previously, the Commissioner for the Environment, the Hon. Nura Shehu Tangaza, said the initiative marked the fourth annual tree planting drive since the administration took office in 2023.

He recalled that the first campaign was held at FCE Gidan Madi in September 2023, followed by Wajake Housing Estate on 21 August 2024 and Sokoto New City on 29 August 2025.

Tangaza commended the governor for his support and commitment in addressing land degradation and desertification in the state.

He described Aliyu as “the green governor of our time,” saying the administration has demonstrated strong political will in addressing environmental challenges.

The commissioner said the ministry has taken a more aggressive approach to the 2026 campaign, distributing climate-resilient seedlings, including economic trees and shelter species, across the state.

“Our focus this year extends beyond public spaces. We are targeting families, schools, religious centers and agricultural plots to ensure widespread green cover,” he said.

He warned against reckless deforestation, saying the ministry would enforce environmental laws against indiscriminate logging, bush burning and forest encroachment.

“We cannot aggressively plant trees while allowing reckless deforestation to undermine our progress,” Tangaza said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Wamakko Local Government Area, Hon. Umar Ahmad Dundaye, thanked the governor for choosing the area for the flag.

He assured the state government of the council’s support and pledged to mobilize district leaders, councilors and youth groups to ensure that seedlings allocated to the local government are planted and protected.

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic planting of trees by the governor and other dignitaries.