Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum
Federal Government, in partnership with the Borno State Government, has launched a nationwide campaign to plant four million trees while distributing 5,000 clean cooking gas cylinders and stoves to households in Borno as part of efforts to tackle climate change and reduce deforestation.
The initiative was flagged off in Maiduguri by Governor Babagana Zulum alongside the Minister of Environment, Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawan, during the 2026 National Tree Planting Campaign held at the Gubio Bypass, Njimtilo.
Speaking at the event, Governor Zulum described Borno as one of the states most affected by the devastating impact of climate change, citing desert encroachment, rising temperatures, environmental degradation and declining vegetation as major threats to agriculture, food security, water resources and livelihoods.
He said environmental restoration remains a key component of his administration’s recovery and rebuilding agenda, stressing that rebuilding communities affected by insurgency must go hand in hand with restoring the ecosystems that sustain them.
“Today is far more than a ceremonial exercise of planting trees. It is a solemn declaration of our collective commitment to safeguarding our environment, protecting future generations and promoting sustainable development,” the governor said.
Zulum commended the Federal Ministry of Environment for selecting Borno to host the 2026 National Tree Planting Campaign, describing the decision as a recognition of the state’s resilience and ongoing recovery efforts.
He noted that the state government has continued to invest in afforestation programmes, erosion control, environmental sanitation, climate adaptation projects and urban beautification, while reaffirming its commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government, development partners, private organisations and local communities to expand green infrastructure.
The governor also urged residents to actively participate in environmental conservation by planting and nurturing trees.
“Government alone cannot achieve this important objective. Every citizen has a role to play. Let us commit ourselves not only to planting trees today but to ensuring that they survive for generations yet unborn,” he said.
Zulum further welcomed the distribution of clean cooking stoves and gas cylinders, noting that the intervention would reduce dependence on firewood, protect forests, lower carbon emissions and improve household health across the state.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising environmental sustainability under the Renewed Hope Agenda and commended the Federal Ministry of Environment for driving climate-focused initiatives across the country.
Launching the campaign, Minister of Environment Hon. Balarabe Abbas Lawan said the exercise was aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, combating desertification, conserving biodiversity and increasing Nigeria’s forest cover.
According to him, the clean cooking initiative is designed to encourage the use of cleaner energy sources, reduce reliance on firewood and promote environmental sustainability.
“Today’s ceremony goes beyond the planting of trees. It represents a renewed commitment to restoring degraded landscapes, combating desertification, conserving biodiversity and strengthening our capacity to address the impacts of climate change,” the minister said.
As part of the programme, beneficiaries received clean cooking stoves, gas cylinders and accessories, while a symbolic cheque worth ₦112.5 million was presented to support gas refills through a voucher system at designated centres.
Governor Zulum explained that the vouchers would ease the financial burden of refilling the cylinders and encourage sustained adoption of clean cooking practices.
The governor also charged the over 2,500 personnel of the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) to remain committed to protecting the environment and ensuring a cleaner and healthier state.
One of the beneficiaries, Nana Ahmed, a primary school teacher from Jere Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the state government for the support.
She said the free gas cylinder and cooking stove would significantly reduce household expenses, particularly at a time when the cost of refilling cooking gas continues to rise.
