Julius Berger and Partners Initiate Planting of 20,000 Trees in Army Cantonment

Abuja, Nigeria — To address deforestation and climate change, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, collaborating with the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), has embarked on planting over 20,000 trees at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment of the Nigerian Army located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This weekend’s activity has enhanced Nigeria’s green coverage and bolstered national ecological security efforts. Julius Berger provided funding and project coordination, FRIN offered technical guidance, while NCF contributed conservation expertise.

Maj-Gen. J.Y. Maina, Dean of the Faculty at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, speaking on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, highlighted the connection between environmental health and national security.

He termed the initiative a strategic investment at the national level, underlining it as a “practical example of our shared understanding that environmental protection is integral to national security.”

Maina emphasized that climate change, desertification, and environmental damage threaten the country’s stability. He added that planting trees is not only an ecological necessity but also a strategic move to secure Nigeria’s future.

Lt-Gen. Oluyede described this partnership as an excellent demonstration of cooperation among the military, government agencies, and the private sector towards sustainable development.

Mr. Garba Boyi, zonal coordinator for NCF, representing Director-General Dr. Joseph Onoja, mentioned that Nigeria has lost more than 90% of its forest cover, highlighting the urgency of the “Green Recovery Nigeria” project.

Boyi expressed gratitude to Julius Berger for their substantial support, calling their contribution a major achievement.

Prof. Zacharia Buba Yadura, Director of FRIN, appreciated Julius Berger for partnering through NCF in this important initiative.

Dr. Okechukwu Ogbonna, CEO of Ceed Africa Limited, also thanked Julius Berger for financing the project.

By Taiwo Olatinwo | August 25, 2025