NCF undertakes reforestation drive with 184,000 trees to rebuild degraded forest lands

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has successfully planted 184,000 trees across various parts of the country as part of its ongoing reforestation efforts aimed at restoring Nigeria’s rapidly depleting forest cover. This milestone forms part of the Foundation’s wider mission to combat deforestation, mitigate climate change, and revive biodiversity in regions heavily impacted by human activities and environmental degradation.

The tree planting exercise, carried out over the course of several months, spans multiple states and ecological zones, with a strategic focus on areas that have suffered significant forest loss due to logging, agriculture, mining, and urban expansion. According to NCF officials, the campaign is designed not only to replace lost trees but to establish sustainable green belts that will help reverse desertification, improve local climates, and preserve habitats for endangered species.

The initiative is one of the largest of its kind in recent years and aligns with the national goal of increasing Nigeria’s forest cover to at least 25 percent of total land area, in line with international environmental commitments. Nigeria currently has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world, losing hundreds of thousands of hectares of forest annually. The efforts by NCF aim to serve as both a corrective and preventive response to the crisis.

In a statement, the Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation highlighted the urgent need to address environmental degradation through aggressive reforestation. He said the planting of 184,000 trees is just one phase in a long-term project designed to rehabilitate deforested landscapes and to instill a culture of conservation among local communities, especially youth and farmers.

The trees planted include a wide range of indigenous and economically valuable species such as teak, mahogany, gmelina, locust bean, and cashew, selected for their ecological benefits and suitability to local environments. The Foundation also incorporated fruit-bearing trees in some areas to support food security and provide long-term livelihood opportunities for rural dwellers.

Community participation has been a cornerstone of the project, with the NCF working closely with local stakeholders including schools, religious institutions, farmers, traditional leaders, and civil society groups. The Foundation provided training and materials to ensure proper tree planting techniques and long-term maintenance. This approach, according to the organizers, helps to create a sense of ownership and ensures the sustainability of the initiative.

Farmers and community leaders in areas where the trees have been planted expressed their appreciation and support for the program. Many acknowledged the benefits of trees in improving soil fertility, providing shade, and serving as windbreaks, particularly in regions affected by desert encroachment and extreme weather conditions. A village head in one of the participating communities in the North Central region noted that the reforestation drive has not only beautified their landscape but also raised awareness among the youth about environmental stewardship.

In addition to its ecological impact, the project is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s carbon offset efforts by capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Experts estimate that the 184,000 trees could absorb thousands of metric tons of carbon over their lifetime, making the initiative a vital component of the nation’s climate action strategy.

Environmentalists have praised the Foundation’s efforts, noting that large-scale tree planting projects are essential in restoring degraded ecosystems and building resilience against climate change. They also stressed the importance of monitoring and maintaining the newly planted trees to ensure their survival and full ecological benefit. Some experts called for policy support from state and federal governments to replicate such initiatives at scale and integrate reforestation into broader development planning.

The NCF also reiterated its commitment to tracking the progress of the planted trees through periodic field visits, digital monitoring tools, and collaboration with research institutions. It pledged to provide follow-up support for communities, including access to seedlings, technical guidance, and educational materials on sustainable land use practices.

The tree planting campaign is just one aspect of the Foundation’s broader environmental agenda, which also includes wildlife conservation, habitat protection, public awareness campaigns, and advocacy for strong environmental policies. With the growing threat of climate change, the NCF believes that restoring forest ecosystems is more urgent than ever and called on private sector actors, government agencies, and the general public to join in the mission to green Nigeria.

By planting 184,000 trees, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation has not only made a tangible contribution to environmental restoration but has also sent a strong message about the power of collective action in protecting natural heritage. As the trees take root and begin to flourish, they symbolize hope for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future for generations to come.