18/06/2026
CRSG must allocate sufficient resources and full support to the Forestry Commission to enable them fulfill their duty to prevent this from happening.
The Cross River State Government has issued a strong warning against the sale, purchase, or transfer of ownership of lands located within government-recognised forest reserves, declaring such transactions illegal and unacceptable.
The government said forest reserve areas remain protected assets belonging to the state and cannot be converted into private property through unauthorised deals, stressing that individuals, communities, or groups involved in such transactions risk facing legal consequences.
Officials stated that the warning became necessary following concerns over increasing encroachment, illegal occupation, and activities capable of threatening the state’s forest ecosystem. The administration maintained that forest reserves are critical to environmental protection, climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and the long-term economic interests of Cross River.
The state government urged residents to verify land ownership status before engaging in property transactions, warning that purchasing land inside protected forest areas does not confer legal ownership rights.
Cross River, known for having one of Nigeria’s largest remaining rainforest ecosystems, has over the years faced challenges linked to illegal logging, forest invasion, and other activities affecting conservation efforts. Previous concerns raised by environmental stakeholders have highlighted the pressure on the state’s forests from human activities.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting forest reserves and ensuring that natural resources are managed responsibly for future generations, while calling on traditional institutions, community leaders, and residents to support efforts against illegal forest exploitation.
