By: Belinda Nketia
The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, led by Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has unveiled plans to plant fast-growing and commercially viable trees as part of a nationwide reforestation and environmental protection campaign.
The approach includes engaging schoolchildren in planting trees that grow quickly, and in some areas, planting species that are economically viable.
The minister cited an example from Ethiopia, where a similar project planted trees that could be harvested for commercial use and then regrown. According to him, the initiative will help provide alternative livelihoods for communities.
He used the platform to invite proposals and ideas from individuals or organisations with experience in innovative, sustainable tree-planting projects.
The minister also highlighted the urgent need to rethink how water is provided for tree planting and maintenance. He revealed that the ministry is exploring collaboration with the Youth Employment Agency, led by CEO Malik Basintale, as well as metropolitan and district assemblies, to engage local youth in watering the planted trees.
Additionally, the ministry plans to support tree-watering efforts by digging boreholes and providing poly tanks in schools and communities that lack adequate water. “You can’t plant trees and expect kids to come to school with gallons of water to water them,” he noted.
Dr. Murtala Muhammed also called for the establishment of environmental courts to prosecute those who deliberately destroy the environment. “It is feasible,” he said. “We need to change the way we look at things, because the destruction of our environment is legendary,” he concluded.
