In a significant policy shift, the Cross River State Government has officially lifted the 15-year ban on logging within the state. The announcement was made by Prof Owan Enoh, the Secretary to the State Government, through a statement issued on August 10, 2023. Governor Bassey Edet Otu approved the immediate cessation of the logging ban.
As part of this change, the Anti-Deforestation Task Force on Logging has been dissolved. In tandem with this decision, the governor has issued several directives:
1. The Cross River State Forestry Law and Regulations of 2011 stipulate that the illegal sawing of wood within the state is a punishable offense and will result in fines.
2. The prohibition of wood sawing within forest reserves remains in effect.
3. All forestry-related activities, including timber permits and non-timber permits, as well as the registration of farmers in forest reserves, must be reported to the Cross River State Forestry Commission for compliance.
4. Ongoing farming and mining activities within forest reserves must be reported to the Cross River State Forestry Commission for verification.
The statement emphasized that all members of the public are expected to adhere to these directives, as non-compliance will result in legal action.
The administration of Gov Liyel Imoke had initially imposed a one-year moratorium on logging in 2008 to enhance environmental accountability and facilitate the state's participation in the REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) program.
However, the moratorium extended beyond its intended duration, giving rise to illegal logging activities. Environmental experts raised concerns about the state losing over 91,000 tons of timber annually due to illicit logging. They cautioned that without intervention, the forest could disappear within the next decade.
The decision to lift the 15-year logging ban comes in response to public outcry against illegal logging activities and aims to address the situation and promote sustainable forestry practices in the state.
