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Ukorebi Esien | April 13, 2026
CALABAR – The Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC) has intensified its enforcement drive against illegal timber dumping across the state, issuing a two-week ultimatum to timber dealers to evacuate all logs stored along roadsides.
In a press statement signed by CEO of the Commission, Rt. Hon. Dr. George O'ben-Etchi, the Commission expressed concern over the rising practice of indiscriminate timber dumping along major roads, describing it as a clear violation of existing forestry regulations.
The Commission noted that government policy clearly designates approved gantries for the storage and processing of timber, stressing that the unlawful use of roadsides not only undermines regulatory compliance but also disrupts the operations of monitoring and evacuation teams.
According to the statement, the illegal practice poses a serious challenge to sustainable forestry management efforts and weakens ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring proper resource governance across Cross River State.
“All timber dealers are hereby directed to immediately evacuate all timber from roadside locations to officially approved government gantries within two (2) weeks from the date of this notice,” (8th April, 2026) the Commission stated.
It warned that failure to comply with the directive will attract strict enforcement actions, including the confiscation of any timber found unlawfully deposited along roadsides.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable forestry practices, responsible resource management, and environmental protection, noting that the current enforcement action is part of broader efforts to restore order in the timber value chain.
It further directed all Commissioners, Zonal Officers, Forest Officers, and Chief Rangers to ensure full compliance and strict enforcement of the directive across all operational areas of the state.
The Forestry Commission emphasized that the move is aimed at strengthening accountability within the timber industry while safeguarding the state’s forest resources for long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
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