A growing number of corporate organisations in Nigeria are adopting tree planting as a core part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, aligning environmental stewardship with long-term business sustainability and social impact.
Companies such as CE-Power Solutions, GSR 360 Ltd, SMP Media Group, Extel Premium Table Water, and the Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1 are partnering with the One Million Trees Initiative (OMTI) to plant trees in Lagos and Port Harcourt in commemoration of the 2025 World Environment Day.
For these brands, tree planting goes beyond symbolic environmental action—it is a deliberate step towards addressing the climate crisis, enhancing community engagement, and reinforcing their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments.
According to Mrs. Cheta Nwabuike of CE-Power Solutions, *a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) that focuses on supplying clean and affordable power without compromising the environment, through the use of compressed natural gas,* tree planting aligns with the company’s sustainability goals, especially in reducing carbon emissions and promoting biodiversity.
She said, “Our initiative directly supports SDGs such as Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life on Land (SDG 15). It’s a visible way to demonstrate our climate commitment and inspire action within our sector and beyond.”
Mrs Nwabuike emphasized the role of tree planting in aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. “Tree planting supports carbon sequestration, community engagement, and ecosystem restoration. It is a tangible way for us to show environmental leadership while helping mitigate the impacts of climate change,” she added.
Also, GSR 360 Ltd’s team lead, Barry Uba, highlighted the moral imperative behind their involvement. “Climate change is a human-caused catastrophe. At GSR 360, we believe tree planting is a direct and responsible act of mitigation. It helps us contribute positively to the environment and shift societal mindsets while strengthening our brand as an environmentally conscious company,” he stated.
Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1’s president, Rotarian Sina Elusakin, explained that their tree planting drive reflects Rotary’s legacy of community service. “It’s about more than aesthetics—we want to encourage people to care for these trees and use them as a platform for climate education and local environmental stewardship.”
Dan Ukpabi, CEO of Extel Premium Table Water, pointed out the daily realities of global warming and deforestation and added that tree planting is a critical step for future survival. “The environment is under threat, and this initiative allows us to act responsibly and secure a healthier future for generations.”
SMP Media Group’s Brand Strategist, Ugo Ogoke, offered a cautionary reflection on the need for more corporate organizations to adopt climate-focused CSRs. “Nature is unforgiving. If we harm it, there will always be consequences—like the climate crisis we’re currently experiencing. Through tree planting, we are investing in restoration and resilience,” he said.
Speaking on the array of partnerships garnered, OMTI’s founder, Washington Uba, said it reflects a shared belief among these organizations that environmental sustainability must be integrated into core CSR objectives.
He said that by planting trees, they are not just mitigating climate risks, but also fostering community development, promoting biodiversity, and creating long-term value for society and the planet.
On this year’s World Environment Day (WED), billed for June 5, Uba, stated that the tree planting projects would be held in three communities simultaneously, namely, Gateway Zone CDA and Oremeji Zone in Magodo GRA Phase 1, Lagos, and Queens Park Estate, Rumuosunwo in Port Harcourt.
“This year, we are introducing economic crops such as cocoa, alongside fruit-bearing trees like oranges and tangerines, to promote environmental and economic sustainability,” Uba said. He added that advocacy sessions and a poetry recital by award-winning journalist Evelyn Osagie would accompany the planting events,” he said.
