The Yobe State Government,  has earmarked no fewer than three million tree seedlings to tackle desert encroachment, land degradation and climate change in the state, including the border communities with Niger.

State and local authorities said desertification has already engulfed 11 Local Government Areeas, including Geidam, Yusufari, Yunusari, Machina and Karasuwa.

Unveiling the fresh tree planting campaign yesterday, in Damaturu, Chairman of the steering planting committee, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana said: “The 2026 tree planting initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle climate change, protect farmlands and improve environmental conditions.”

Gubana, who serves as the Deputy Governor, further disclosed that
the campaign is scheduled to begin with a pilot flag-off in Damaturu Local Government Area on August 25, while the remaining 16 local government areas are expected to hold their flag-off ceremonies between August 26 and 30.

Gubana described the three-million-tree initiative as a critical intervention in the state’s battle against the growing threats of desertification, drought and land degradation.

He, therefore warned that the steady expansion of desert conditions has affected  agricultural land and worsening the competition over available resources, with the implications on livelihoods and peaceful coexistence.

According to him, the Buni administration considers environmental restoration a priority and is determined to implement a tree-planting programme capable of producing visible and sustainable results across the state.

Gubana said the campaign would prioritize drought-resistant and economically beneficial tree species, stressing that the choice of seedlings was crucial to ensuring that the trees survive Yobe’s harsh climatic conditions.

He disclosed that approximately 80 per cent of the required seedlings were already available in nurseries, including Neem, Moringa and Guava, while arrangements were being made to secure the remaining quantity.

The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, said the committee had developed a comprehensive strategy to move the campaign beyond ceremonial tree planting and ensure that the trees survive after planting.

Karasuwa identified community ownership, youth participation, regular monitoring, proper maintenance and the use of indigenous tree species as key pillars of the programme.

He  called for stronger collaboration with traditional institutions, religious leaders, community groups and other stakeholders, saying their involvement would be essential to protecting the trees and sustaining the environmental gains of the initiative.

The three-million-tree planting  campaign is expected to restore degraded lands, protect agricultural areas, improve environmental conditions and strengthen Yobe’s capacity to withstand the growing effects of climate change.