Dutse, July 26, 2025
Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, has launched the 2025 annual tree planting campaign with an aim to restore over 5,000 hectares of degraded land across the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held in Dutse, Gov. Namadi said the campaign is part of the state’s broader environmental protection strategy, which includes the annual production and distribution of 2.5 million tree seedlings.
Represented by the Secretary to the State government Mr Bala Ibrahim, Namadi explained that the annual event includes massive sensitization and collaboration with national and international partners.
Namadi however, described the exercise as one of his administration’s commitments to Jigawa State, where he pledged to revive and expand ongoing environmental development and protection programmes.
“This is in line with our policy of promoting initiatives that are environmentally friendly, supporting environmental resilience and sustainability, thus contributing to the health of our planet.
“The aim is also to support the provision of means of sustainable livelihoods for most of the people,” the Governor said.
Highlighting the importance of the campaign, Namadi noted that environmental challenges such as floods, desertification, deforestation, and poor waste management continue to threaten livelihoods across the state.
“These are not distant threats; they are present realities negatively impacting our daily life and livelihoods, our food security whether at the household level or at a larger scale.
“The quality of well-being of our communities across the state is compromised. It is our collective responsibility to fight and win the battle against all forms of environmental degradation,” he stressed.
Governor Namadi also revealed that the state is working through the Aģro-Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscape Project (Acresal), to reclaim degraded land using shelter belts, grazing reserves, and agroforestry techniques.
“Presently, Jigawa State Government, through the ACReSAL Project, aims to restore over 5,000 hectares of degraded land across 27 locations in the state.
“This will be done through the provision of shelter belts, grazing reserves, and agroforestry. We are already turning the tide through these bold, measurable actions.”
He also disclosed that five environmental laws have been reviewed and submitted for amendment to the State House of Assembly, with an aim to strengthen regulatory enforcement.
The reviewed laws include the Forestry Law, Bush Burning Control Law, Wild Animals Law, and Sanitation Laws, adding that its a step towards mitigating flood risks and management of water flow.
The state government he added, has purchased and deployed two amphibious hydraulic excavators for the clearance of river channels affected by Typha grass.
“The government is currently constructing drainages in 32 different locations to reclaim eroded and flooded areas.
“About 130 km of embankments were also made along river tributaries to mitigate flooding, protect farmlands, and build resilience in vulnerable communities,” the Governor revealed.
Furthermore, Namadi issued a stern warning to illegal tree fellers and charcoal producers, to desist from such wrongful acts or face the wrath of the law.
‘I want to use this medium to warn those involved in illegal tree felling, those using chainsaws for cutting trees, and the charcoal makers to desist from such acts.
“Our environmental laws and policies have been reviewed, with adequate provisions to effectively punish those involved in violating our environmental protection laws, as earlier mentioned.
Aisha Ahmed ✍ from Dutse
