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The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), in partnership with the NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs (NYE) and the Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (WCCIMA), has officially launched the 20 Million Economic Trees Initiative, a large-scale agricultural programme aimed at creating sustainable wealth through tree-based farming across Nigeria.
The initiative was unveiled in Kano on April 8, 2026, during the sidelines of NACCIMA’s first quarter EXCO and Council Meeting, marking a major step in the organisation’s broader economic tree planting agenda.
Initiative targets long-term economic value
According to NACCIMA, the project forms part of its wider “1 Billion Economic Tree Planting Campaign,” designed to promote wealth creation, environmental sustainability, and agricultural industrialisation through the planting of commercially valuable trees.
Unlike conventional tree planting drives focused mainly on environmental conservation, the 20 Million Economic Trees Initiative is structured as an economic empowerment model. The programme is intended to generate direct income for Nigerians by encouraging cultivation of trees that produce marketable fruits, nuts, timber, and raw materials for local industries.
NACCIMA said the initiative is expected to strengthen agricultural value chains while positioning Nigeria for increased participation in export markets for processed and raw agro-products.
Focus on wealth creation and industrial supply chains
Speaking at the launch, stakeholders highlighted that the programme is designed to create multiple economic benefits, including income generation for farmers and entrepreneurs, steady supply of locally sourced raw materials for industries, and expansion of Nigeria’s non-oil export base.
By promoting tree-based agriculture, the initiative also seeks to reduce pressure on imported industrial inputs while encouraging local manufacturing growth tied to agro-processing sectors.
The organisers noted that economic trees such as cashew, mango, cocoa, shea, oil palm, and other commercially viable species can become long-term income assets for households and communities if cultivated at scale.
Kano launch signals national expansion plan
The Kano unveiling is expected to serve as the pilot phase for broader nationwide implementation. NACCIMA indicated that state chambers, youth entrepreneur groups, women business associations, and agricultural cooperatives will be mobilised to replicate the programme across other parts of the country.
The event was attended by representatives of the Kano State Government, NACCIMA national leadership, NYE officials, WCCIMA executives, and other delegates from across Nigeria’s organised private sector.
Why this matters
The launch comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking practical pathways to diversify its economy beyond oil revenues. Analysts say initiatives tied to tree-based agriculture offer a dual advantage: they create jobs while addressing climate and environmental concerns.
If successfully implemented, the 20 Million Economic Trees Initiative could become one of the country’s largest private-sector-backed agricultural wealth creation schemes, linking sustainability directly with income generation for millions of Nigerians.
Read also: FG plans Regional Fodder Hub for North-Central and South-West Nigeria
