Nigeria losing billions of dollars to illegal logging in Cross River – Environmentalists

 

Citizens Against Crime and Corruption (CACC), an environmental conservation group, has raised concerns about the increasing rate of illegal logging in Cross River State.

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The group claims that Nigeria is losing billions of US dollars daily as numerous trucks of economic trees, reduced to timber, are being illegally transported out of the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director/CEO of the group, Mr. John Lovety, expressed dismay over the activities of illegal loggers allegedly backed by influential Nigerians. He described the situation as an act of economic sabotage and a grave threat to the environment.

According to Lovety, illegal logging in Cross River State has not only caused economic losses but has also exposed the region—once regarded as Nigeria’s frontline buffer state for reducing greenhouse gas emissions—to severe climate change impacts.

“At a time when the world is rising from COP29 with the theme ‘Investing in a Livable Planet for All’, it is regrettable that Cross River, which boasts the country’s largest forest reserve, is being ravaged by individuals and groups, supported by powerful entities, who are destroying our forests through the illegal logging of economic trees,” Lovety lamented.

He listed several communities affected by the illegal logging activities, including Ifumkpa, Owai, New and Old Ekuri, Okokori, Ochon, and Agoi Ibami villages. Others include Agoi Expo and Iko Esai in the Forest Reserve Area, as well as areas within Boki Local Government Area.

Lovety accused a director in the Cross River State Forestry Commission of complicity, alleging that state resources meant to protect the forest are being diverted while authorities turn a blind eye to the illegal activities.

“Rather than deploy state resources to protect state assets, they have looked the other way as these saboteurs pillage state resources under the guise of logging. This reckless destruction is exposing the environment to the dangers of climate change. Arrest this situation now to prevent future disaster.”

Lovety said efforts to address the issue locally have yielded no results, prompting the group to call on the Nigerian public and the international community to pressure authorities to act.

“We have reported this matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the IGP Monitoring Unit, yet the perpetrators of these heinous crimes against Cross River State and Nigeria remain untouched.

“It is troubling that the Conservator General, who has the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would allow such travesties to thrive under his watch.”

He called for the intervention of global environmental organizations, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Lovety urged these organizations to halt funding for the preservation of Nigeria’s flora and fauna, alleging that the funds are being misused or diverted for purposes other than conservation.

“The trees provide cover for wildlife and strengthen biodiversity. To fold your arms, Conservator General, and allow this destruction to continue is unpardonable,” he added.

Lovety appealed to both national and international stakeholders to act swiftly, warning that the continued destruction of Cross River’s forests will have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s environment, economy, and global commitments to combat climate change.