The Lagos State Government has called for stronger private sector collaboration to accelerate its tree planting campaign, saying partnerships with businesses, institutions and residents are critical to achieving a greener and more climate-resilient megacity.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the appeal during the 2026 Annual Tree Planting Day organised by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, expressing confidence that the state would surpass its target of planting 20,000 trees this year.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, disclosed that 13,401 trees had already been planted across Lagos’ five administrative divisions as of June 30, representing 67 per cent of the annual target.
He said the remaining trees, and more, would be planted during the current rainy season, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
According to Sanwo-Olu, expanding Lagos’ green infrastructure remains essential to tackling climate change, improving air quality, reducing urban heat, conserving biodiversity and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
He stressed that government alone cannot deliver a greener Lagos, urging corporate organisations, educational institutions, development partners, community groups and individuals to embrace tree planting as a shared responsibility.
The governor commended LASPARK for sustaining environmental awareness campaigns and programmes that encourage public participation in protecting and beautifying the environment, adding that environmental sustainability remains a key pillar of the state’s THEMES+ development agenda.
In her goodwill message, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, described the 2026 theme, “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility,” as a reminder that safeguarding the environment requires collective action from individuals and organisations.
Earlier, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, described tree planting as one of the most practical and cost-effective responses to climate change.
He said trees play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, improving soil fertility, reducing erosion, conserving water resources and supporting biodiversity, agriculture and tourism.
Wahab disclosed that every tree planted under the state’s afforestation programme has been geo-tagged and is being monitored to ensure its survival, underscoring the government’s commitment to achieving measurable environmental outcomes.
Also speaking, LASPARK General Manager, Mrs. Adetoun Ibilola Popoola, said the agency has transformed Tree Planting Day into a year-round environmental campaign through continuous planting, monitoring and community engagement.
She noted that LASPARK is deploying geotagging technology and community-based monitoring systems to improve tree survival rates while strengthening partnerships with schools, youth groups and local communities to promote environmental responsibility.
Popoola also announced that free tree seedlings would continue to be distributed to residents, corporate organisations, community development associations and non-governmental organisations to encourage wider participation in the state’s greening initiative.
Chairman of Agege Local Government, Mr. Vinod Obasa, also pledged his council’s support for the campaign, promising to promote increased tree planting for the benefit of Lagos residents.