Ukorebi Esien | June 17, 2026
CALABAR – The Cross River State Government has intensified efforts to protect its forest reserves, warning communities, individuals, companies, and groups against the illegal sale, allocation, lease, and transfer of lands within designated forest areas across the state.
The warning was contained in a press release issued by the Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC), which expressed concern over what it described as the increasing incidence of unauthorized transactions involving portions of forest reserves.
According to the Commission, such activities constitute a direct violation of state laws that vest the ownership and control of all forest reserves exclusively in the Cross River State Government.
The Commission noted that the illegal disposal of forest reserve lands poses a serious threat to the integrity of protected ecosystems and undermines ongoing efforts to conserve biodiversity and promote the sustainable management of the state's vast forest resources.
"The Commission strongly condemns this unlawful practice, as it threatens the integrity of protected forest areas and undermines ongoing efforts to conserve biodiversity and ensure the sustainable management of the state's forest resources," the statement said.
As part of measures to curb the trend, the Forestry Commission has directed all communities, traditional institutions, individuals, and groups involved in the illegal sale or transfer of forest reserve lands to cease such activities immediately.
The agency further cautioned prospective land buyers, investors, companies, and organizations against acquiring lands located within forest reserves, stressing that such transactions are null and void and confer no legal rights on the purchasers.
The Commission warned that anyone found violating the directive would face strict enforcement measures, including the recovery of illegally acquired lands and assets, as well as investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
Forestry experts have long identified Cross River as home to one of Nigeria's most significant tropical rainforest ecosystems, providing critical habitats for endangered wildlife species, regulating local climate conditions, and supporting the livelihoods of thousands of forest-dependent communities.
The latest directive is seen as part of broader efforts by the state government to tackle deforestation, land encroachment, and illegal activities that threaten the sustainability of the forest sector.
Chairman of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Dr. George O'Ben-Etchi, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to safeguarding the state's rich forest heritage for present and future generations.
To ensure full compliance, the Commission directed all Commissioners, Zonal Officers, Forest Officers, and Chief Rangers across the state to enforce the directive and monitor activities within their respective jurisdictions.
Observers say the move signals a renewed determination by the state government to strengthen forest governance and preserve one of Nigeria's most valuable environmental assets amid growing pressure from human activities and land speculation.
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