The Cross River State Government has taken decisive action by declaring a complete suspension of logging activities across the state.
The announcement, issued by the Secretary to the Government of Cross River, Prof. Anthony Owah-Enoh, underscored the government’s commitment to protecting its forests.
Despite the earlier introduction of a ‘permitteeship’ system aimed at regulating logging through permits issued by the state’s Forestry Commission, illegal logging has persisted, even in protected areas like parks.
“In spite of the forbearance by government on the activities of timber loggers in the state, government notes the persisting refusal and or neglect to keep to the terms stipulated by government for the felling of trees,” stated the SSG.
The State Governor,Bassey Otu, has consequently suspended all logging activities in the state, instructing security agencies to arrest offenders and seize any logs and machinery used for logging.
Players in the timber logging trade are urged to contact the state forestry commission for further guidance.
Cross River’s rainforest, which constitutes approximately 50% of Nigeria’s remaining rainforest, faces significant threats from human activities such as farming, illegal logging, and illegal mining.
