Vice President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria will launch a massive tree-planting campaign from the next rainy season as part of its strategy to restore the environment and promote long-term sustainability. Speaking during a state visit to Ethiopia, Shettima said the move takes inspiration from Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Programme, which he praised as an ideal blend of climate action and economic growth.
During the visit, Shettima toured several agricultural and industrial sites, including Adama Dairy Farms, Luke Avocado Nursery, Biyyo Poultry Farm, and Shera Dibandiba Mojo Family Integrated Farm. He described Ethiopia’s progress as a sign of African renewal and praised the country for mobilizing its population towards large-scale environmental and agricultural development.
He said Nigeria’s goal is to plant 20 billion trees next season, emphasizing the need for strong planning and citizen involvement. Shettima called Ethiopia a “pathfinder” and a model for the rest of the continent, pointing to its transformation from importing wheat to exporting it to its neighbors, such as Djibouti and Kenya.
According to Shettima, the success of both Nigeria and Ethiopia is crucial for Africa’s growth, with the two countries representing over 350 million people combined. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and mutual progress across the continent.
Also speaking, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness, described the Ethiopian tour as eye-opening. He affirmed President Tinubu’s interest in replicating the agricultural success seen in Ethiopia. Uzoma said Nigeria is already working to diversify its economy through agriculture, with plans to boost exports of crops like avocado, pineapple, mango, cashew, and cocoa.
The tree planting initiative is part of a broader effort to diversify Nigeria’s economy beyond oil, utilizing agriculture, climate restoration, and regional partnerships as key building blocks for sustainable development.
