By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse The Jigawa State Government has officially launched the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign with a renewed com...
By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has officially launched the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign with a renewed commitment to restore more than 5,000 hectares of degraded land across the state.
The flag-off ceremony took place on Monday at the Pentagon Roundabout in Dutse, where Governor Umar Namadi, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, led the symbolic planting of trees and oversaw the distribution of seedlings to local government areas.
The initiative is part of the state’s broader environmental protection strategy, which includes the annual production and distribution of 2.5 million tree seedlings, community sensitization, and collaboration with both national and international partners.
In his address, Governor Namadi described the campaign as a reflection of his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of the people of Jigawa State.
“This is in line with our policy objectives aimed at promoting initiatives that are environmentally friendly, support resilience and sustainability, contribute to the health of our planet, and provide sustainable livelihoods for our people,” he said.
The governor emphasized the urgency of addressing environmental challenges such as flooding, desertification, deforestation, and poor waste management, which he described as present realities affecting daily life, food security, and public health in many communities across the state.
“These are not distant threats; they are current realities negatively impacting our livelihoods, food systems—whether at the household or state level—and the quality of life in many communities. It is our collective responsibility to combat and overcome all forms of environmental degradation,” he stressed.
To reverse the trend, Governor Namadi said the state government is leveraging the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project to reclaim degraded land through the establishment of shelter belts, grazing reserves, and agroforestry systems.
“Currently, the Jigawa State Government, through the ACReSAL Project, is working to restore over 5,000 hectares of degraded land across 27 locations using shelter belts, grazing reserves, and agroforestry methods. We are already seeing results through these bold, measurable actions,” he said.
The governor also disclosed that five environmental laws have been reviewed and forwarded to the State House of Assembly for amendment to enhance regulatory enforcement. These include the Forestry Law, Bush Burning Control Law, Wild Animals Law, and Sanitation Laws.
In further efforts to mitigate flooding and improve water flow, Governor Namadi revealed that the government has procured and deployed two amphibious hydraulic excavators for the clearing of river channels clogged by Typha grass.
Additionally, the state is constructing drainage systems in 32 locations to reclaim eroded and flood-prone areas. The government has also constructed approximately 130 kilometers of embankments along river tributaries to mitigate flooding, protect farmlands, and build climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
Governor Namadi issued a strong warning to individuals involved in illegal tree felling and charcoal production, warning that violators will face the full weight of the law.
“I want to use this medium to warn those involved in illegal tree felling, chainsaw operations, and charcoal production to desist from these acts. Our environmental laws have been reviewed and strengthened to allow for strict enforcement and prosecution of offenders,” he said.
The campaign underscores Jigawa’s commitment to environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
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