Jelili Gbadamosi
The Lagos State Government has launched a fresh statewide tree planting campaign, reaffirming its commitment to planting at least 20,000 trees in 2026 as part of efforts to combat climate change and promote a healthier environment.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, speaking at the 2026 Tree Planting Day celebration held at Eko Amore Gardens, Freedom Way, Lekki, disclosed that 13,401 trees—representing 67 per cent of the annual target—had already been planted across the state’s five divisions as of June 30.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said the exercise would continue throughout the rainy season until October. He urged residents not only to plant trees but also to ensure they are properly nurtured to maturity.
Sanwo-Olu described tree planting as one of Lagos’ key nature-based strategies for tackling climate change, noting that trees help reduce heat, improve air quality, mitigate flooding and create healthier communities.
As part of the renewed initiative, he directed chairmen of the state’s 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas to serve as “Tree Custodians,” with responsibility for protecting and monitoring trees within their jurisdictions.
The governor also reminded residents that anyone who unlawfully cuts down a tree is required by law to replace it with five others. He further honoured 20 individuals and organisations as Lagos Tree Champions for their contributions to environmental sustainability 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 tree planting exercise as a strategic response to the growing impacts of climate change, including flooding, rising temperatures, land degradation and biodiversity loss.
He said the 2026 theme, “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility,” underscores the need for collective action to protect the environment, adding that all 57 LGAs and LCDAs have been mandated to nurture newly planted trees for at least 12 months to improve their survival rate.
Also speaking, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, urged residents, schools, religious organisations, market associations and private businesses to embrace tree planting as a way of life, describing it as a lasting investment in the health, safety and prosperity of future generations.
