VP Shettima announces 20 billion tree campaign

…hails Ethiopia’s Green Legacy model

By Kunle Sanni –

Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced plans for Nigeria to launch a massive tree-planting campaign during the upcoming rainy season, targeting 20 billion trees as part of the country’s environmental sustainability and reforestation agenda.

Speaking during a state visit to Ethiopia on Saturday, Shettima said the initiative is inspired by Ethiopia’s successful Green Legacy Programme, which he praised as a benchmark for integrating climate action with economic growth across Africa.

“We intend to plant 20 billion trees in the next rainy season,” the Vice President said. “It requires a lot of planning, energy, and commitment — and Ethiopia has shown that it is possible by galvanizing its population.”

Shettima, who toured several agricultural and industrial facilities in Ethiopia, said he was impressed by the country’s achievements in environmental restoration and agricultural self-sufficiency. He described Ethiopia as a “pathfinder” in Africa’s quest for economic and climate resilience.

“I was overwhelmed with joy that the real economic renaissance of Africa is in the offing. Ethiopia has become the front-runner in helping us reclaim our pride and our continent. We are mightily proud of them,” he added.

During the visit, Shettima inspected projects including Adama Dairy Farms, Luke Avocado Nursery, Shera Dibandiba Mojo Family Integrated Farm, Biyyo Poultry Farm, and Bishoftu Pea Farm. The tour aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation in agriculture and industrial development between Nigeria and Ethiopia.

He also lauded Ethiopia’s agricultural transformation, particularly its success in achieving wheat self-sufficiency. Once a major importer, Ethiopia now exports wheat to neighboring countries, including Djibouti and Kenya.

“If Nigeria and Ethiopia work, Africa will work. Together, the two of us constitute over 350 million people — more than the population of the United States,” Shettima noted. “We must make these two countries work harmoniously for the betterment of our continent.”