The Federal Government has launched a one million tree planting campaign at the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Kaduna, as part of efforts to address the growing threats of climate change, desertification, deforestation and biodiversity loss across the country.

The initiative comes at a time when Northern Nigeria is experiencing increasing environmental degradation, with desert encroachment, shrinking forest cover and declining biodiversity posing serious threats to agriculture, water resources and rural livelihoods.

Representing the Minister of Environment, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Environment, Abubakar Buba, described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

He noted that establishing the project within the Academy underscores the growing recognition of the link between environmental protection and national security, particularly as future military leaders are trained at the institution.

The minister added that the one million trees will help restore degraded land, improve air quality, reduce erosion, enhance biodiversity and create a more sustainable environment for military training and research.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu, described the initiative as a long-term investment in environmental sustainability and national development.

He stressed the need to integrate climate action into security planning, education and economic development strategies, noting that environmental stewardship is critical to the nation’s future.

In his remarks, the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, linked environmental degradation directly to national security challenges.

He warned that environmental decline can fuel instability and threaten sustainable development, adding that the NDA has incorporated environmental conservation into its training programmes through the Biodiversity Conservation Centre.

The Kaduna State Government, the Nigerian Defence Academy, Africa Finance Corporation and Fifth Chukker also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the partnership and ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the project.

Representing Governor Uba Sani, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ibrahim Tanko, commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards environmental restoration and climate adaptation.

Stakeholders say the initiative will transform parts of the NDA into a sustainable green zone while supporting climate action, environmental research, biodiversity conservation and national security objectives.