Lagos unveils N2.5m tree-planting prize to tackle urban heat

Lagos State is introducing a N2.5 million tree-planting prize to encourage environmental sustainability and tackle the growing issue of urban heat. This initiative is part of the state's commemoration of World Environment Day.

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As we celebrate this year’s World Environment Day, the State Government, through the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, has committed to planting 500 trees to commemorate the occasion.

Olalekan Rotimi-Akodu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, announced the prize during the World Environment Day celebration. The state government plans to plant 500 trees and launch a special program called "Me and My Tree." Under this program, participants will receive free seedlings and are expected to nurture them for one year. The individual who cultivates the best-performing tree will receive the N2.5 million cash reward.

This effort comes as Lagos is recognized by the United Nations as one of 50 global cities at risk of experiencing extreme temperatures up to 50°C. The state's World Environment Day theme, "50 Cities at 50°C: Lagos Rising Against the Urban Heat Island," aligns its climate adaptation strategies with global efforts to mitigate rising temperatures. Rotimi-Akodu highlighted that climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth are increasing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing vegetation, and driving up temperatures.

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The Ministry is also introducing a special initiative tagged ‘Me and My Tree.’ Under this programme, free seedlings will be provided to participants, who are expected to nurture them and ensure their survival. After one year, the best-performing tree will be awarded a prize of N2.5m.

Rotimi-Akodu noted the urgency, citing that 2024 was the warmest year on record, with 2025 ranking as the third warmest. He emphasized Lagos's vulnerability to climate-related threats like sea-level rise, extreme heat, and flooding due to its status as Africa's most populous city and a major economic hub. The extreme heat, he warned, negatively impacts public health and labor productivity in urban centers.

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Extreme heat affects every aspect of urban life. It impacts public health, labour produ