Sanwo-Olu Unveils New Tree Planting Drive as Lagos Hits 13,401 Trees

Sanwo-Olu Unveils New Tree Planting Drive as Lagos Hits 13,401 Trees
Launches Fresh Greening Campaign
Targets More Before October

The Lagos State Government has planted 13,401 trees across the state’s five administrative divisions within the last year, achieving 67 per cent of its target of 20,000 trees.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Tuesday while flagging off the 2026 Lagos State Tree Planting Day organised by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) at Eko Amore, Freedom Way, Lekki Phase I.

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Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said all the trees planted as of June 30 are being actively monitored by LASPARK to ensure they survive and mature.

He also launched a fresh tree planting campaign across the state’s 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas, noting that the exercise would continue throughout the rainy season until October to bridge the gap to the 20,000-tree target and exceed it.

Speaking on the theme, “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility,” Sanwo-Olu described tree planting as one of the most affordable and effective ways of tackling climate change, rising temperatures, flooding and the shrinking of green spaces.

He stressed that the success of the initiative would not be measured by the number of trees planted alone but by the number that survive, urging residents, schools, corporate organisations, estates, traditional institutions and faith-based groups to take responsibility for nurturing trees in their communities.

To strengthen accountability, the governor designated the chairmen of all 57 LGAs and LCDAs as Tree Custodians, directing each council to appoint an officer to work closely with LASPARK in watering, monitoring and protecting trees from vandalism and illegal felling.

He also reminded residents that anyone who cuts down a tree without the required permit is legally obligated to replace it with five new trees.

As part of efforts to encourage wider participation, the state government recognised Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ) Gardens, Igando, alongside 19 other organisations and individuals as Lagos Tree Champions for their outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability.

Sanwo-Olu Unveils New Tree Planting Drive as Lagos Hits 13,401 Trees

Sanwo-Olu further encouraged residents to obtain free tree seedlings from LASPARK nurseries in Ikorodu and Agege, urging every Lagosian to “Plant One. Nurture One.”

He said the initiative aligns with the Environment and Health pillar of the state’s THEMES Plus Agenda, aimed at building a cleaner, healthier, flood-resilient and more sustainable Lagos.

Also speaking, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, described this year’s theme as a reminder that safeguarding the environment depends on the actions people take today.

She said tree planting remains one of the most impactful ways of improving air quality, preserving biodiversity, reducing heat and creating healthier communities.

Mrs Hamzat urged families, schools, market associations, trade groups and private organisations to make tree planting a regular practice while ensuring the trees are nurtured to maturity.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the annual event reinforces the shared responsibility of government, communities and individuals in protecting the environment.

According to him, tree planting remains one of the most effective measures for combating climate change, erosion, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.

Wahab added that all local governments and LCDAs have been tasked with monitoring and caring for newly planted trees for at least 12 months to improve their survival rate.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting afforestation, reforestation and environmental conservation through the THEMES Plus Agenda.

Chairman of Agege Local Government, AbdulGaniyu Obasa, one of the award recipients, said his council had embraced tree planting as part of efforts to improve the environment.

He noted that trees help absorb carbon dioxide, prevent erosion, improve ecosystems and enhance the overall quality of life, adding that Agege is committed to making its environment greener for both residents and future generations.