Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — July 3, 2025. In a remarkable display of environmental diplomacy and regional solidarity, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has donated 4,000 tree seedlings to the Federal Republic of Nigeria as part of the seventh phase of Ethiopia’s flagship Green Legacy Initiative. The symbolic gesture reinforces a growing partnership between the two nations, underpinned by a shared commitment to sustainability, climate action, and regional cooperation.
The seedlings were formally received at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by His Excellency Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria, who praised Ethiopia’s efforts and affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate on green initiatives that benefit future generations across Africa.
Ethiopia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Legesse Gemeda, led a delegation of Ethiopian officials during a welcoming ceremony attended by representatives from Nigeria’s Presidential Office. The event highlighted the significance of the gesture as more than environmental it is a symbol of mutual respect, strategic partnership, and pan-African solidarity.
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This donation forms part of Ethiopia’s broader ambition to share its expertise in afforestation and ecosystem restoration, cultivated through years of national reforestation efforts. Since its inception in 2019, the Green Legacy Initiative has successfully mobilized millions of citizens and resulted in the planting of over 30 billion trees across Ethiopia. Now in its seventh phase, the initiative is expanding its impact beyond national borders, reaching fellow African countries, including those in West Africa.
“This gift of seedlings goes beyond trees it is a message of friendship, resilience, and collective responsibility in addressing global challenges,” said Ambassador Gemeda during the ceremony.
The initiative aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and supports continental and global climate goals, including land restoration and carbon sequestration. By sharing its model and resources, Ethiopia demonstrates its leadership and continued dedication to regional cooperation and environmental stewardship.
The donation marks a new chapter in Ethiopia-Nigeria relations and underscores the transformative potential of climate diplomacy in building stronger, greener and more interconnected African nations.
Emebet Asefa, Correspondent , Ethiopia
