Governor says Lagos has planted 13,401 trees so far in 2026 as residents are urged to nurture seedlings and support climate resilience

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on residents to actively participate in the state’s environmental sustainability efforts by planting and nurturing trees, announcing that the government aims to plant 20,000 trees across Lagos before the end of 2026 as part of its climate resilience strategy.

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The Lagos Tree Planting campaign has already recorded significant progress, with 13,401 trees, representing 67 per cent of the annual target, planted across the state’s five administrative divisions as of June 30, according to the governor.

Speaking at the 2026 Tree Planting Day celebration held at Eko Amore Gardens on Freedom Way, Lekki, Sanwo-Olu said tree planting remains one of the state’s most effective nature-based solutions for tackling climate change, reducing environmental degradation and improving the quality of urban life.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor stressed that the success of the initiative would depend not only on planting trees but also on ensuring their survival.

“We are not just planting trees; we are planting hope and a lasting legacy. Together, we can build a Lagos that is cooler, cleaner, safer, flood-resilient and more beautiful for future generations,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He noted that trees play an essential role in lowering urban temperatures, improving air quality, reducing flood risks and creating healthier communities in one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities.

The governor also announced the commencement of a fresh planting campaign across all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas, directing council chairmen to serve as Tree Custodians responsible for protecting and monitoring trees within their jurisdictions.

Sanwo-Olu reminded residents that Lagos State law requires anyone who unlawfully fells a tree to replace it with five new trees, a measure intended to discourage indiscriminate tree removal and preserve the state’s green infrastructure.

As part of this year’s programme, the governor unveiled 20 Lagos Tree Champions, recognising individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to environmental conservation, while encouraging residents to collect free tree seedlings from Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) nurseries located in Ikorodu and Agege.

The initiative forms part of the state’s broader environmental agenda aimed at expanding green spaces while mitigating the growing effects of climate change.

Earlier, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the annual exercise as a strategic intervention designed to promote environmental stewardship and strengthen climate adaptation efforts.

He said the 2026 theme, “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility,” highlights the need for collective participation in safeguarding the environment.

“The celebration goes beyond a ceremonial event. It serves as a reminder that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility,” Wahab said.

“The increasing occurrence of extreme weather events, flooding, land degradation, biodiversity loss and rising temperatures across the globe underscores the urgent need for collective climate action, while tree planting remains one of the simplest and most effective nature-based solutions.”

Wahab disclosed that all 57 LGAs and LCDAs have been formally designated as Tree Custodians and will be responsible for monitoring and nurturing newly planted trees for at least 12 months to improve survival rates.

He urged residents to regard every tree planted as an investment in the future and to adopt environmentally responsible practices capable of preserving Lagos’ natural heritage.

Also speaking, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, said rapid urbanisation, increasing temperatures, flooding and environmental degradation continue to pose serious challenges to Lagos.

She described tree planting as one of the most practical and cost-effective ways to improve air quality, reduce heat, protect biodiversity and strengthen community resilience.

According to Hamzat, planting trees is more than an environmental exercise because it represents an investment in the health, safety and prosperity of future generations.

She encouraged families, schools, religious organisations, market associations and private sector operators to embrace tree planting as a lasting culture capable of transforming the state’s environment.

Lagos introduced its annual Tree Planting Day to encourage public participation in environmental conservation and to expand the state’s urban forest cover.

As climate-related challenges such as flooding and rising temperatures become more frequent, the government has increasingly relied on green infrastructure and nature-based solutions as part of its long-term environmental strategy.

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With more than two-thirds of this year’s target already achieved, the state hopes sustained community participation throughout the rainy season will help it surpass its ambitious goal of planting 20,000 trees before October.