The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has launched a bold initiative known as the 1 Billion Economic Trees Planting Campaign, a programme aimed at restoring degraded land, creating thousands of jobs, and opening new opportunities within Nigeria’s growing green economy.
The campaign is designed to go beyond environmental restoration by promoting economic activities tied to agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy, and sustainable industries. According to the association, planting economic trees will not only replenish farmlands and reduce the impact of climate change but also provide essential raw materials for industries, increase food security, and support the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
The association highlighted that the project is in line with the Federal Government’s \$1 trillion economy vision. By unlocking value chains around agro-commodities, tree crops, and natural resources, the initiative is expected to strengthen the role of small businesses in driving inclusive growth. For micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), this campaign creates direct opportunities in areas such as seedling production, nursery management, agro-processing, packaging, logistics, and export of tree-based products.
NACCIMA explained that the campaign would actively engage youth, women, cooperatives, and local communities, making them central players in both the planting process and the value chain that emerges from it. It will also leverage collaboration with government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as international development partners and private sector investors, to scale the programme nationwide.
The association further noted that the 1 Billion Trees initiative will complement the Federal Government’s Great Green Wall project, which seeks to combat desertification and expand sustainable agricultural practices across the Sahel region. Together, these efforts are expected to increase climate resilience while boosting the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses in global markets.
NACCIMA called on Nigerians, especially the private sector and civil society groups to lend their support to the campaign. The association stressed that Nigeria’s path to sustainable wealth creation depends on collaborative action, adding that a greener economy will create jobs, improve industrial output, and enhance the nation’s global reputation for climate leadership.
