The Kaduna State Government has announced plans to plant 10 million trees over the next four years as part of its efforts to fight climate change and protect the environment.

The Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, revealed this during a meeting with stakeholders on Wednesday.

The government planted 1.7 million trees in 2024 and aims to double that number in 2025. According to Alhaji Abubakar, the state has nurseries producing enough seedlings to support the ambitious project.

“The major challenge of climate change is carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Trees are the most effective way to absorb carbon dioxide. We are urging residents to not only plant trees but also take care of them, whether in cities, suburbs, or villages,” he said.

The Commissioner praised Governor Uba Sani for prioritizing environmental sustainability. He described the governor as “environmentally friendly” and credited him with the vision of a greener and cleaner Kaduna State.

Alhaji Abubakar also mentioned the government’s proactive measures to address flooding, including:

Desilting 140 kilometers of drainage in urban areas to ensure smooth water flow during the rainy season.

Dredging the River Kaduna and other water bodies to manage increased water levels from desilting activities.

“These efforts aim to prevent flooding and improve water flow, ultimately benefiting residents across the state,” he added.

Governor Uba Sani has also increased the Ministry of Environment’s budget for 2025, promising impactful implementation to support these initiatives. Alhaji Abubakar expressed optimism that the funds would accelerate the state’s environmental programs.

The Commissioner urged residents to actively participate in tree planting and care, emphasizing the shared responsibility of tackling climate change.