An environmental activist and author, Dr. Ibraheem Dooba, has won the 2026 McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund.
He received the award for his work on 200MillionTrees, an initiative addressing desertification, food insecurity, and farmer–herder clashes across the region.
Northern Nigeria has long faced challenges linked to environmental degradation and shrinking arable land, factors that have contributed to recurring conflicts.
The 200MillionTrees project seeks to reverse this trend through afforestation and community participation.
By restoring degraded land and promoting sustainable livelihoods, the initiative aims to reduce competition over resources and improve rural stability.
“This is recognition of the resilience and innovation coming out of Northern Nigeria,” Dooba said.
“Our communities are building solutions that respond directly to the realities on the ground.”
The McNulty Prize Catalyst Fund is awarded in partnership with the Aspen Institute.
It supports emerging leaders globally who are addressing systemic challenges in their communities.
Mr Dooba’s recognition marks a significant milestone for Nigeria and highlights the region’s potential to contribute to global climate and development solutions.
