The Niger State Government has initiated a collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission for a tree planting initiative across all 25 local government areas.
Governor Mohammed Bago, at a side event at the Climate Summit in UAE, highlighted the importance of afforestation in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the state’s abundant arable land covering 76,000 square kilometers, providing ample space for tree planting to restore ecosystem balance.
In expressing his enthusiasm, Governor Bago commended the NDDC Managing Director’s insights, stressing the significance of addressing climate change at various crucial levels.
“One, the causes, the exploration of oil and also flaring of gas. The second issue is the impact of that activity on humanity and the environment. The third one that I am sure you would have enumerated is what I would help you to do which is the way forward. How do we mitigate this?”
Bago continued, “I am from Niger State. It is 76,000 square kilometers of arable land. It has two major rivers flowing through it. It has four hydro-powered dams, and this land is arable.
“At this moment, let’s motivate the NDDC to actively participate in the initiative of tree planting to restore ecological balance. Your mention of carbon credit highlights one of the benefits associated with planting trees. Areas with elevated emissions experience detrimental effects on the ecosystem.”
“Now, where you have low emission and you have plenty of land, what we need to do is to make sure we increase our capacity in afforestation, first.”
