The Federal Government has announced plans to engage no fewer than 10,000 youths and retirees in the planting of six million trees across the country to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.

The Minister of State for Environment and Ecological Management, Dr Iziaq Salako explained that the programme is meant to create jobs for the unemployed and provide economic benefits to retired persons, while also addressing the pressing issue of environmental degradation.

Salako further said that the tree planting programme would be carried out in phases, with a focus on areas that have been affected by deforestation and desertification.

The minister said the government plans to plant not less than six million trees to help absorb greenhouse gases, improve air quality, and mitigate land degradation, flooding, and erosion in the country.

Salako stated that the programme would involve a wide range of tree species, including indigenous and exotic varieties suitable for Nigeria’s different ecological zones.

He added that the tree planting exercise would also promote agroforestry and promote bamboo as an alternative to trees.

The minister, however, called on all Nigerians to support the programme by planting trees in their homes and communities.

The minister also said that the Federal Government would deploy technology to monitor the effectiveness of the programme.