Lagos Intensifies Tree Planting Campaign with 20,000 Target
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on residents to actively plant and nurture trees as part of efforts to combat climate change, reduce flooding and create a healthier environment, with the state aiming to plant at least 20,000 trees before the end of the year.
Speaking at the 2026 Lagos State Tree Planting Day held at Eko Amore Gardens in Lekki under the theme “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility,” the governor said tree planting remains one of the most effective nature-based solutions for addressing the growing impacts of climate change and rapid urbanisation. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
Sanwo-Olu revealed that 13,401 trees—about 67 per cent of the state’s annual target—had already been planted across Lagos’ five administrative divisions as of June 30. He added that the exercise would continue throughout the rainy season until October, with the goal of meeting and surpassing the 20,000-tree target.
The governor stressed that planting trees alone is not enough, urging residents to ensure they are properly maintained until they mature. According to him, healthy trees help lower urban temperatures, improve air quality, absorb carbon emissions, reduce flood risks and enhance biodiversity, making Lagos more resilient to climate-related challenges.
As part of the initiative, the state government launched a fresh tree-planting campaign across all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), appointing council chairpersons as “Tree Custodians” responsible for protecting and monitoring newly planted trees in collaboration with the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK).
Sanwo-Olu also reminded residents that Lagos law requires anyone who unlawfully fells a tree to replace it with five new trees, reinforcing the state’s commitment to environmental conservation. In recognition of outstanding contributions to urban greening, he unveiled 20 Lagos Tree Champions and encouraged residents to obtain free tree seedlings from LASPARK nurseries in Ikorodu and Agege.
Earlier, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the annual exercise as more than a ceremonial event, saying it reflects the collective responsibility of government, communities and businesses to protect the environment. He noted that rising temperatures, flooding, land degradation and biodiversity loss underscore the need for sustained climate action through initiatives such as tree planting.
The campaign builds on the state’s broader environmental sustainability agenda, including the recently introduced “Me and My Tree” initiative, which encourages residents to plant and care for trees through the provision of free seedlings and incentives aimed at improving tree survival rates.
