Cross River Residents Demand Strict Forestry Law Enforcement

Residents and stakeholders in Cross River State are calling for the full enforcement of forestry laws to address the ongoing issue of illegal logging and its detrimental effects on the environment. This demand was made during a stakeholder engagement with forest conservation organizations at the Cross River National Park, Oban Division, in partnership with Wildlife Conservation Nigeria.

The participants, including civil society groups, criticized the weak enforcement of laws that has led to significant depletion of forest reserves. They highlighted that illegal logging activities are exacerbated by mining companies operating without proper oversight.

The stakeholders urged the government to ensure that offenders face jail terms rather than just fines, as the current penalties are insufficient to deter illegal activities. The Cross River Forestry Commissioner, Benjamin Enyam, noted that 309 offenders had been arrested since November 2024, with 90 being non-Cross Riverians.

The community leaders emphasized the importance of protecting biodiversity and called for stronger legal action against violators.