First Bank of Nigeria Limited has reaffirmed its strong commitment to environmental sustainability with a renewed drive to complete its ambitious 50,000-tree planting initiative before the end of 2025. The bank, which launched the tree-planting campaign as part of its corporate social responsibility under the FirstGreen Sustainability Initiative, announced that it has already planted over 43,000 trees across the country, with the final phase of the project now underway.
According to the bank’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the initiative underscores FirstBank’s determination to combat climate change, promote ecological balance, and contribute to Nigeria’s commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement. He explained that the project aims to offset carbon emissions generated from the bank’s operations and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices within local communities.
Dr. Adeduntan, speaking during a recent tree-planting exercise in Abuja, stated, “At FirstBank, sustainability is not just a corporate obligation but a moral commitment to protect our planet. We are proud of the progress made so far in our journey to plant 50,000 trees by 2025, and this final phase represents our enduring dedication to a greener Nigeria.”
The FirstGreen initiative, launched in 2021, is part of the bank’s broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. The campaign involves nationwide planting of indigenous tree species across schools, public spaces, and local communities, especially in regions affected by deforestation and desertification. The program also includes awareness drives on tree preservation, sustainable waste management, and renewable energy adoption.
The bank’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Ms. Folake Ani-Mumuney, highlighted that FirstBank’s environmental projects are anchored on three core principles — reducing carbon footprint, enhancing biodiversity, and empowering communities through green education. She noted that beyond tree planting, the bank has implemented multiple eco-friendly initiatives such as solar-powered branches, digital banking transformation to reduce paper use, and environmentally responsible procurement processes.
Ani-Mumuney said, “We have integrated sustainability into every aspect of our business operations. From energy efficiency in our offices to the promotion of digital channels, our focus remains on minimising environmental impact while maximising social value. The 50,000-tree project is symbolic of our long-term vision for environmental stewardship.”
Experts from the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), which partners with FirstBank on the project, commended the bank’s commitment, describing it as a model for corporate sustainability in Nigeria’s financial sector. The foundation’s Director of Programmes, Dr. Joseph Onoja, explained that trees are crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change, as they absorb carbon dioxide, stabilise the soil, and support biodiversity. He noted that FirstBank’s project contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s effort to restore its degraded ecosystems.
The partnership between FirstBank and the NCF involves the selection of climate-resilient trees, monitoring of growth patterns, and ensuring the survival rate of each planting site. The initiative has been implemented in key regions including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, and Maiduguri, with each location chosen based on environmental need and community involvement.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the initiative also aims to empower local communities through education and employment. Young people and community groups have been engaged in planting and maintaining trees, helping to create jobs and raise environmental awareness at the grassroots level.
Environmental economist and sustainability advocate, Professor Nnenna Okoro, lauded the bank’s initiative, saying it represents a forward-thinking approach to corporate social responsibility. She stated that FirstBank’s tree-planting drive not only aligns with Nigeria’s National Climate Change Policy but also positions the institution as a leader in green banking across Africa. “This initiative goes beyond symbolic action. It reflects how financial institutions can lead the transition to a low-carbon economy through tangible, long-term impact,” Okoro remarked.
The Federal Ministry of Environment has also expressed support for the project, describing it as an important private-sector contribution to the government’s reforestation goals. In a statement, the ministry noted that the collaborative efforts of banks like FirstBank could help Nigeria meet its target of planting 25 million trees annually as part of its national adaptation plan.
As part of its sustainability roadmap, FirstBank plans to integrate environmental performance indicators into its annual reporting framework. The bank has pledged to increase investments in green finance, support renewable energy initiatives, and reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent across its operations by 2030.
Beyond tree planting, the institution is working to educate customers on sustainable living through its “Go Green with FirstBank” campaign, which encourages reduced paper usage, energy conservation, and responsible waste disposal. The campaign also promotes digital banking as a means of reducing the environmental footprint associated with traditional banking operations.
Dr. Adeduntan reiterated that the bank’s goal extends beyond achieving numerical targets. “Our 50,000-tree initiative symbolises our shared responsibility to the environment. The trees we plant today will serve as a legacy for future generations, providing cleaner air, healthier ecosystems, and greater resilience against climate threats,” he said.
He added that the project would continue to evolve beyond 2025, with the bank committed to maintaining and nurturing the trees to ensure long-term survival and impact. The initiative, he said, forms part of a wider vision to promote sustainable finance and responsible business practices in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
As FirstBank accelerates its final phase toward planting the remaining trees, the project stands as a testament to the bank’s over 130 years of service and innovation — not only in banking but also in nation-building. With its consistent investment in sustainability, community development, and environmental restoration, FirstBank continues to position itself as a pioneer of responsible corporate leadership in Nigeria and beyond.
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