By Zainab Bakare
Stakeholders in Cross River State have called for stricter enforcement of forestry laws, including custodial sentences for offenders, to curb rising cases of illegal logging and environmental degradation.
The demand was made on Wednesday during a one-day stakeholders’ engagement on forest conservation, organised by the Cross River National Park Oban Division in collaboration with the Wildlife Conservation Society of Nigeria, host communities, and civil society groups.
Speaking at the event, State Conservator of Parks, Joseph Ntui, decried the rapid depletion of forest reserves, blaming weak enforcement and the activities of illegal loggers.
He also raised alarm over unregulated mining activities in host communities, noting that while some communities grant access to mining companies, they often lack the capacity to control their operations, resulting in pollution and environmental damage.
According to Ntui, such practices violate provisions of the National Park Service Act and pose serious environmental and public health risks, including global warming, air pollution, soil erosion, disease outbreaks, and insecurity.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the National Park Service to biodiversity protection through sustained conservation, surveillance, and enforcement operations. He disclosed that 309 offenders have been arrested since November 2024, adding that about 90 per cent are non-indigenes, often enabled by local collaborators.
Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa Local Government Area, Agbor Ebani, warned that the state risks losing its rich biodiversity if existing laws are not strictly enforced.
“Our forests are dying. Laws exist, but enforcement is weak. Offenders are arrested today and back in the forest tomorrow because there are no consequences,” he said.
Ebani called for stricter prosecution and jail terms for offenders, while urging traditional rulers and community leaders to reject inducements that enable illegal activities.
“We must not trade our forests for small gains. Communities must support conservation efforts and put an end to illegal access to protected areas,” he added.
