By Frank Ulom
The Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC) has issued a stern warning to communities, individuals, and groups involved in the unauthorised sale, allocation, lease, or transfer of lands within forest reserves, declaring such transactions illegal and void.
In a press release dated June 9, 2026, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Ntufam Rt. Hon. George O’Ben-Etchi, said the agency had observed with concern a growing trend of illegal dealings involving portions of forest reserves across the state.
According to the Commission, ownership and control of all forest reserves are vested exclusively in the Cross River State Government under existing laws, making any private sale or transfer of such lands unlawful.
The Commission condemned the practice, warning that it poses a serious threat to protected forest areas and undermines ongoing efforts aimed at biodiversity conservation and sustainable forest management.
“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.
The Forestry Commission directed all communities, traditional institutions, individuals, and groups involved in the illegal sale or transfer of forest reserve lands to cease such activities immediately.
It also cautioned prospective buyers, companies, and organisations seeking to acquire lands within forest reserves that such transactions confer no legal rights and are considered null and void.
“Individuals, companies, and organisations that have purchased or are in the process of acquiring lands within forest reserves are advised to take note that such transactions are null and void and confer no legal rights whatsoever,” the Commission stated.
The agency warned that failure to comply with the directive would attract strict enforcement measures, including the recovery of illegally acquired lands and assets, as well as the investigation and prosecution of all persons and entities involved.
The Commission said the move reflects its commitment to protecting Cross River State’s forest heritage and preserving critical ecosystems for future generations.
To ensure compliance, all Commissioners, Zonal Officers, Forest Officers, and Chief Rangers have been directed to enforce the order across the state.
The Forestry Commission reiterated its resolve to safeguard forest reserves and prevent activities that could compromise environmental conservation efforts in Cross River State.
Converseer reports that the Cross River State forest makes up over 50% of Nigeria’s remaining tropical rainforests. It harbours globally significant biodiversity, including the critically endangered Cross River gorilla and the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee. However, these ecosystems are currently facing severe threats from logging, mining and agricultural expansion.
