Kaduna will plant 10m trees to tackle climate change, says commissioner

Abubakar Buba, the Kaduna state commissioner for environment, has announced plans to plant 10 million trees over the next four years.

Speaking to stakeholders on Wednesday, Buba said the initiative is part of an afforestation program designed to combat climate change and protect the environment.

The commissioner disclosed that the state government successfully planted about 1.7 million trees in 2024.

Buba said the ministry of environment will aim to double the number of trees planted this year, adding that “we have nurseries that have produced these tree seedlings”.

He praised Uba Sani, the state governor, for promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Kaduna state.

Buba also revealed that the governor has directed the ministry to dredge River Kaduna and other water bodies in the state.

He explained that desilting the drainages would increase water flow into the rivers, ultimately reducing the risk of flooding in residential areas.

“The major challenge of  climate change is carbon emission, greenhouse gases and the likes. And the major thing that absorbs carbon dioxide is trees,” he said.

“We expect residents not just to plant trees but to nurture them to grow, not just in the cities but in the suburbs and villages as well.

“The governor also mandated us to desilt about 140 kilometers of drainages within the city centres, so as to check flooding during the raining season by easing the free flow of water.”