Nigeria's Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass Lawal, has called on charcoal merchants and stakeholders in the forestry sector to adopt sustainable practices and support the Federal Government's efforts to reverse deforestation and restore the country's degraded forest landscapes. This was stated at the flag-off of the 2026 Operation One Million Trees Tree Planting Programme organised by the Association for Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants at the University of Ibadan. The programme aims to promote afforestation and encourage responsible management of Nigeria's forest resources.
The Minister described tree planting as one of the most practical measures for combating climate change, reversing deforestation, restoring biodiversity, controlling desertification, and strengthening the resilience of Nigeria's ecosystems. He emphasized that Nigeria's forests provide critical environmental, social, and economic benefits, including biodiversity conservation, regulation of water resources, and livelihoods for millions of Nigerians. The Minister stressed that their protection must be a collective responsibility.
The Federal Ministry of Environment has remained committed to sustainable forest management through programmes designed to restore degraded forests, increase forest cover, and promote climate resilience across the country. On June 8, 2026, the Ministry flagged off the 2026 National Afforestation Programme as part of the implementation of the Federal Government's Executive Order on the ban on the export of wood and charcoal. This national programme underscores the government's commitment to restoring degraded forests and increasing Nigeria's forest cover.
The Minister highlighted several initiatives of the Ministry, including the Sovereign Green Bond Afforestation Programme, National Greening of Cities and Urban Areas for Climate Change Mitigation, agroforestry initiatives, protection of erosion-prone areas and marginal lands, as well as stakeholder and community engagement programmes. He noted that the Operation One Million Trees initiative complements the government's broader environmental agenda and urged stakeholders to ensure that forestry activities are carried out in line with existing laws and environmental regulations.
The Chairman of the Association for Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants, Mr Adeshola Idowu, stated that the event carried a clear message for everyone involved in the charcoal business and every Nigerian. He advocated for the practice of planting several trees for every tree cut down, stressing that trees remain indispensable to human existence. Idowu also identified technology as a critical component of modern forest protection, pointing to the potential use of drones to plant seedlings in difficult-to-reach areas.
Oyo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ademola Aderinto, commended the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and praised his environmental policies that encourage afforestation as a potent way of fighting climate change. He assured that tree cutting is discouraged in the state and offenders are penalised. Chief Strategy Officer of FOJ Multidynamic Interchange Nigeria Limited, Florence Omolola, said the event was part of a broader effort to ensure that the charcoal business operates sustainably and in compliance with environmental regulations.
The three-day programme has been structured around sensitisation, youth engagement, tree planting, and verification of the afforestation claims being made by participants. The programme's following phase will involve on-site verification of the afforestation activities, with environmentalists, journalists, regulators, non-governmental organisations, international organisations, auditors, and other independent stakeholders expected to participate. The Minister had deployed a five-member delegation to support the programme and ensure that its activities comply with established regulations.
Key points
- The Federal Government's Operation One Million Trees initiative aims to promote afforestation and encourage responsible management of Nigeria's forest resources.
- The Minister of Environment emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in protecting Nigeria's forests and promoting sustainable forest management.
- The programme's success will be measured by the number of seedlings that survive and mature into healthy forests, not just the number of seedlings planted.
