Bassey Otu bans logging in Cross River

Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River, has placed a ban on logging in all parts of the state.

The ban was announced on Saturday in a statement issued by Anthony Owan-Enoh, secretary to the state government.

The government had earlier introduced a “permiteeship system” which empowered the state’s forestry commission to grant permits to loggers to fell specific trees.

Owan-Enoh said the system did not work, as illegal felling of trees — even in areas under government protection like parks — persisted.

The Cross River rainforest accounts for about 50 percent of the surviving flora in the country.

The state is also home to many endangered animal species.

In August 2023, the state government dissolved the anti-deforestation task force and lifted the ban on logging after 15 years.

“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,” the statement reads.

“Consequently, Governor Bassey Otu has suspended further logging activities in the state.

“Security agencies are to arrest offenders and confiscate any log and machinery deployed thereto.”

Owan-Enoh called on stakeholders in the logging trade to contact the state forestry commission for further guidance.