By Ukorebi Esien | 26th June
The intricate relationship between the government of Cross River State and the timber logging industry is a narrative fraught with challenges, policy reversals, and persistent illegal activities. The latest development in this saga is the recent suspension of wood logging activities by Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, citing non-compliance by loggers with stipulated government terms. This move comes just a year after the governor lifted a 15-year-old ban on logging, reflecting the ongoing struggle to balance environmental conservation with economic interests.
A History of Logging Bans
The state's history with logging bans dates back to 2008, when then-Governor Liyel Imoke imposed a one-year moratorium on logging. This was aimed at allowing Cross River State to benefit from the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) program. Despite the moratorium, illegal logging surged, undermining the very purpose of the ban.
Governor Otu, upon assuming office last year, lifted this long-standing ban, presumably to stimulate economic activities and regulate the logging industry under more controlled conditions. However, the expected compliance from loggers did not materialize. According to a statement from Prof. Owen Enoh, Secretary to the State Government, loggers have consistently ignored the terms stipulated by the government, prompting the recent reinstatement of the ban.
Persistent Challenges
The dilemma faced by the Cross River State government is a complex one. On one hand, the state boasts 58% of Nigeria's forest cover, a significant natural resource that requires protection against unsustainable exploitation. On the other hand, the logging industry represents a substantial economic activity for many local communities.
Former Governor Ben Ayade's administration also grappled with this issue. In 2022, Ayade declared a war on illegal timber loggers, highlighting the severe environmental degradation caused by these activities. Ayade's government took a hardline stance, threatening severe consequences for those caught in the act, including the prosecution of colluding government officials and security agents. Despite these efforts, illegal logging continued to thrive, indicating a deep-rooted issue that transcends simple policy enforcement.
Otu's Renewed Ban and Its Implications
Governor Otu's decision to reinstate the logging ban reflects the persistent challenge of enforcing compliance within the timber industry. The directive for security agencies to arrest offenders and confiscate logs and machinery underscores the government's commitment to curbing illegal activities. However, the effectiveness of this approach remains to be seen.
The statement from Prof. Enoh also called for players in the timber logging trade to contact the State Forestry Commission for further guidance, indicating an attempt to establish a more structured and transparent framework for legal logging activities. Yet, the history of non-compliance and the strength of illegal logging cartels pose significant obstacles.
Environmental and Economic Considerations
The environmental implications of uncontrolled logging are profound. Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecosystems, and contributes to climate change. The REDD+ program, which aims to incentivize forest conservation, remains a critical initiative for Cross River State, necessitating strict control over logging activities.
Economically, the logging industry provides livelihoods for many in Cross River State. The challenge for Governor Otu is to find a sustainable path that balances economic benefits with environmental stewardship. This requires not just stringent enforcement but also community engagement and alternative livelihood programs for those dependent on logging.
Conclusion
Governor Prince Otu finds himself at a crossroads, entangled in the intricate web of policy, enforcement, and economic interests. The reinstatement of the logging ban underscores the ongoing struggle to achieve sustainable forest management in Cross River State. Whether this latest move will lead to meaningful change or simply another chapter in the long history of logging dilemmas remains to be seen. What is clear is that a multifaceted approach, addressing both the environmental and economic dimensions, is essential for any long-term solution.
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