Cross River dissolves anti-deforestation task force, lifts ban on logging

The Cross River government has finally lifted the ban placed on logging in the state after fifteen years.

In a statement issued on August 10, Owan Enoh, secretary to the state government, said Bassey Otu, the governor, approved the lifting of the ban.

Enoh said the anti-deforestation task force on logging has also been dissolved.

He added that the state forestry commission should be informed of all farming and mining activities in the forest reserves for approval.

“As enshrined in the Cross River State Forestry Law and Regulations 2011, any illegally sawn wood across the state is considered an offense and to face compoundment,” the statement reads.

“Furthermore, prohibition of sawing wood in the forest reserve is still in force.

“All registration of forestry-related activities such as timber permiteeship, non-timber permiteeship, registration of farmers in the forest reserve are to report to the Cross River State Forestry Commission for compliance.

“All ongoing farming/mining in forest reserves are expected to report to the Cross River State Forestry Commission for authentication.

“Members of the public are required to ensure compliance as government sues for cooperation of all. Defaulters of this directive will be prosecuted.”

In 2008, the administration of former governor Liyel Imoke imposed a one-year moratorium on logging to allow the state to benefit from Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) programme. 

The ban however increased illegal logging activities in the state.