The Federal Government has continued to receive widespread commendation over its ambitious pledge to plant 20 billion trees during the next rainy season—a major step toward ecosystem restoration, climate change mitigation, and protection of lives and livelihoods.
The latest praise came from Nigeria’s leading environmental NGO, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), during its 36th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos.
Vice President Kashim Shettima had announced the pledge last month in Ethiopia, describing it as a strategic pillar in the country’s broader environmental sustainability drive.
Speaking at the AGM, NCF Director General, Dr. Joseph Onoja, welcomed the government’s commitment, stating that the Foundation is ready to offer its technical expertise to support the initiative.
“The pledge builds upon Nigeria’s earlier Bonn Challenge commitment to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land,” Dr. Onoja noted. “It is a bold and commendable step, and we will support it by ensuring best practices in tree planting—planting the right species, in the right place, at the right time, and in the right quantity.”
He emphasized that the initiative has the potential to create thousands of green jobs, particularly for youth and women in host communities.
Dr. Onoja disclosed that the Foundation planted 184,000 trees across degraded areas in Yobe, Cross River, Anambra, Abuja, Lagos, and other states in 2024. A standout project, the Maja-Kura Community Borehole in Yobe, now serves over 500 households and supports tree survival in the semi-arid zone. He described this as a reflection of NCF’s integrated approach to environmental and social impact.
The Foundation’s flagship Green Recovery Nigeria (GRN) initiative continued to gain ground in 2024, with support for community nurseries, nature-based value chains, non-timber forest enterprises, and improved forest governance. These strategies are helping to build resilient landscapes and empower local communities.
On wildlife protection, Dr. Onoja said the Foundation expanded its conservation programmes for endangered species including the Cross River gorilla, African forest elephant, leopards, lions, sea turtles, and vultures. A major milestone was the launch of Nigeria’s first-ever National Elephant Action Plan—a 10-year strategy for elephant protection and management.
Support from international partners such as the Wilder Institute–Calgary Zoo enabled the Foundation to award one PhD and five MSc scholarships for research on gorilla habitats at the University of Calabar. In Kainji Lake National Park, NCF’s work reduced illegal hunting and livestock encroachment by 70%, while park surveillance improved by 50%.
Dr. Onoja also announced that over 11,000 individuals benefitted from NCF’s programmes in 2024, with more than 7,500 green jobs created. Through Livelihood and Dialogue Workshops, women, youth, and farmers were equipped with sustainable income alternatives while helping protect fragile ecosystems.
He recalled his participation at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where he championed nature-based solutions and climate finance for Africa. In education and advocacy, the Foundation launched 42 new Conservation Clubs in schools and reached thousands of students nationwide.
Dr. Onoja acknowledged partnerships with academic institutions such as Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and Tai Solarin University of Education, as well as corporate supporters including Chevron, NLNG, Seplat Energy, NNPC Ltd, and First Bank. Projects like the ALEC initiative in Bayelsa, focusing on afforestation, carbon sequestration, and sustainable livelihoods, were highlighted as successful examples of cross-sector collaboration.
He stressed that while challenges such as illegal logging, climate change, and inadequate funding persist, NCF is committed to deploying innovation and advocating for stronger environmental policies at both state and federal levels.
Delivering the message of NCF Board of Trustees President, Chief Philip Asiodu (CFR, CON), who was absent due to age, the Chairman of the National Executive Council, Hon. Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, praised the Foundation’s progress despite national environmental challenges. She specifically appreciated the unwavering support of corporate sponsors such as Chevron Nigeria.
Chief Asiodu, in his address, reiterated the importance of mass participation in environmental conservation efforts. “This year was not just about tree planting,” he said. “In Yobe, for instance, we provided boreholes along with trees. In other areas, we offered livelihood support.”
He emphasized the significance of NCF’s work across its core pillars—Green Recovery, Species Conservation, Climate Action, and Strategic Partnerships. He also highlighted the Chief S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture and the awarding of research grants to two PhD students as part of the Foundation’s focus on sustainable environmental solutions.
Justice Adebiyi reported that the Foundation had a transparent and stable financial year, which further strengthened donor confidence. She unveiled NCF’s 2025–2030 Strategic Action Plan (SAP), developed with expert input, which will guide future operations.
“The SAP positions NCF as a leading conservation organization in Africa. We will scale conservation actions, deepen policy advocacy, support livelihoods, and promote nature-based climate solutions,” she said.
She reaffirmed that achieving national reforestation, establishing NCF offices in all states, and building a mass environmental consciousness remain top priorities. “Let us continue to be champions for nature, advocates for conservation, and builders of a sustainable Nigeria,” she concluded.
The AGM featured participation from a broad range of stakeholders, including university lecturers, environmental experts, and students from institutions such as the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, University of Lagos, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, and Pan Atlantic University, alongside several secondary schools in Lagos.
Former First Lady of Cross River State, Onari Duke, a member of the NCF Board of Trustees, was also in attendance, alongside other members, fellows, and supporters of the Foundation. The event provided an opportunity for robust dialogue between NCF and stakeholders on the urgent task of preserving Nigeria’s natural heritage.
Reporting by Innocent Onoh