Experts Urge Review of Cross River Forestry Law

Civil society organizations (CSOs) and experts are calling for a review of Cross River's forestry law to address issues of crime and deforestation. Ken Henshaw, the Executive Director of the People's Coalition, highlighted the importance of upgrading the state's forestry law, noting that current penalties are insufficient to deter illegal logging and wildlife trafficking.

The existing law allows for a meager penalty of N200,000, which incentivizes continued illegal activities. Henshaw emphasized the need for stronger sanctions proportional to the severity of the crimes and improved monitoring systems.

Odigha Odigha, chairman of the NGO Coalition and a renowned environmental expert, pointed out that Cross River has lost 60% of its original forest cover, which poses a risk to Nigeria's valuable ecological assets. The experts stress that without urgent reforms, the state risks losing its rich biodiversity and potential for ecotourism, urging the integration of community participation and traditional knowledge in forest governance.