For the third year, Niger celebrates National Tree Planting Day instead of independence celebrations from France.
Written by: Ayman Ragab
On Monday, August 3, 2026, Niger's President General Abdourahmane Tchiani presided over the National Reforestation Day ceremony in the Maradi region, in the third edition of this national event launched by the current authorities as part of the re-establishment process.
This year’s celebration comes for the third year in a row, after the authorities decided, since 2024, to replace the official celebrations of the third of August, which was commemorated as Independence Day, with the National Tree Day, in a direction that links this occasion to the goals of development and the restoration of natural resources. The authorities consider that this shift reflects a new vision for celebrating national occasions, based on work, production and consolidating national sovereignty.
Recruiting 1000 new personnel in the water and forestry sector
During the ceremony, the regional governor of the Moradi region reviewed the most prominent environmental achievements made by the region during the first half of 2026.
For his part, the Minister of Environment praised the President’s decision to allow the recruitment of 1,000 new personnel in the water and forestry sector, considering that this step will enhance efforts to protect natural resources and combat desertification.
In his speech, the President affirmed that the government will continue working to enhance security, achieve food self-sufficiency, improve health services, and create job opportunities for young people, before concluding the ceremony by planting a neroli tree to mark the launch of the national afforestation campaign for 2026.
