By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC) has expressed concern over the increasing cases of unauthorized sale, allocation, lease, and transfer of portions of forest reserves across the state by some communities, individuals, and groups.
Chairman of the Commission, Ntufam Rt. Hon. George O’Ben-Etchi, PhD, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Calabar.
He noted that such activities are in clear violation of existing laws, which vest the ownership and control of all forest reserves exclusively in the Cross River State Government.
According to him, the Commission strongly condemns the unlawful practice, describing it as a threat to the integrity of protected forest areas and a setback to ongoing efforts aimed at conserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of the state’s forest resources.
O’Ben-Etchi warned all communities, traditional institutions, individuals, and groups involved in the illegal sale or transfer of forest reserve lands to immediately desist from such activities.
He further cautioned individuals, companies, and organizations that have purchased or are in the process of acquiring lands within forest reserves, stressing that such transactions are null and void and confer no legal rights whatsoever.
The chairman warned that strict enforcement measures would be taken against violators.
“Failure to comply with this directive will attract strict enforcement measures, including the recovery of all illegally acquired lands and assets, as well as the investigation and prosecution of all persons and entities involved,” he stated.
He said the action underscores the Commission’s commitment to protecting Cross River State’s rich forest heritage and preserving critical ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Commission also directed all Commissioners, Zonal Officers, Forest Officers, and Chief Rangers to enforce the directive and ensure full compliance across the state.
