Amos Alao is an Urban Planner, Landscape Architect, Lecturer and Project Manager. He is the President of the Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria (SLAN) and Secretary-General of the International Federation of Landscape Architects Africa Region (IFLA Africa).
Nigeria is experiencing a climate crisis that can no longer be ignored. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increasingly devastating floods have become the new reality.
Each year, the rainy season arrives with force, overwhelming cities, washing away roads, displacing communities, and exposing the weaknesses in our urban infrastructure.
While many respond with temporary solutions—clearing blocked drainage channels, repairing damaged roads, or assisting flood victims—the root causes remain unaddressed.
One of the most effective yet often overlooked ways to build resilience against these challenges is through strategic tree planting. Now is the time to act, before the rains come.
Trees and shrubs do far more than provide shade or beautify the environment. They are nature’s defense system against extreme weather events.
Their roots hold soil in place, preventing erosion. Their canopies slow down rainfall, reducing the intensity of stormwater runoff. They absorb excess water, helping to prevent urban flooding.
In cities, trees mitigate the “heat island” effect, where concrete and asphalt trap heat, causing temperatures to soar. They also purify the air by filtering pollutants, making urban environments healthier for residents.
Urban health is directly linked to the presence of green spaces. Studies have shown that cities with abundant trees and vegetation have lower rates of respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and mental health disorders.
Trees act as natural air purifiers, removing harmful toxins and fine particles from the air, reducing the risks of illnesses associated with air pollution.
Beyond physical health, green spaces offer psychological benefits—reducing stress, improving mood, and fostering social interactions that strengthen community bonds.
Unfortunately, Nigeria’s rapid urbanization is leading to massive vegetation loss. Construction projects continue to clear land without reintroducing greenery, despite environmental laws that should mandate replanting.
This loss of vegetation worsens climate-related challenges while also diminishing the quality of life for urban dwellers. Poorly planned urban spaces, devoid of greenery, contribute to increased temperatures, poor air quality, and limited recreational spaces for residents.
While some government agencies and institutions have initiated tree-planting campaigns, these efforts are often poorly executed. The wrong species are planted in inappropriate locations, leading to long-term problems.
Trees with invasive roots disrupt drainage systems, damage walkways, and weaken building foundations. Some grow too close to roads and power lines, creating hazards for commuters and utility services.
Others, planted hastily without proper care, fail to survive, rendering the entire effort futile. This is where landscape architects come in. Their expertise in urban greening, stormwater management, and climate-responsive design ensures that trees are planted in ways that maximize their environmental, social, and health benefits.
A well-planned urban forest can transform a city, reducing the impact of extreme weather events while improving public health and overall quality of life.
Proper tree placement can provide shaded walkways for pedestrians, buffer noise pollution, and create cooler, more comfortable microclimates that reduce heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
In flood-prone areas, the right selection of trees and shrubs can significantly reduce the risks associated with heavy rains, while also serving as natural filters for polluted stormwater runoff.
Every Nigerian has a role to play in addressing the climate crisis, and planting trees at the right time is one of the simplest yet most impactful actions we can take.
The period before the rainy season is the best time to plant because it allows trees to develop strong root systems before they face the stress of heavy rains. Rather than waiting for another year of extreme weather, urban heat, and environmental degradation, individuals, communities, businesses, and government agencies should seize this moment to green their surroundings.
Beyond planting for personal benefit, citizens should think about the larger picture—creating resilient cities where trees are not just decorations but essential elements of climate adaptation and urban health strategies.
Developers should incorporate green spaces into their projects, schools should encourage students to plant and nurture trees, and local governments should enforce policies that prioritize environmental restoration.
Those unsure of where or what to plant should seek guidance from landscape architects to ensure that their efforts contribute meaningfully to urban resilience. The reality of climate change is here, and its effects are intensifying.
The choices we make today—whether to continue ignoring environmental degradation or to actively participate in restoring our landscapes—will determine the future of our cities and communities. The time to plant is now.
The trees we establish today will not only help us build a greener and more resilient Nigeria but will also safeguard public health, making our cities more livable, sustainable, and prepared for the challenges ahead.
