– Advertisement –
The Cross River State House of Assembly (CRHA) has intervened in the dispute between Ekuri forest community and timber company, Ezemac International (Nig.) Limited, following allegations of unsustainable and unauthorised logging activities in the community forest.
The Ekuri community had accused the company of operating in its forest without due process, including the absence of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and community consent, while allegedly deploying security agencies to intimidate residents.
In response, the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources convened a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, bringing together representatives of Ekuri community (Old and New), Ezemac International, the Forestry Commission and other relevant stakeholders.
Addressing the committee, community leader, Dr. Martins Egot, said the dispute highlights broader concerns around community forest governance and environmental protection.
He alleged that large-scale logging was ongoing in Ekuri forest without the required approvals, warning that intimidation and weak regulatory oversight undermine conservation efforts and community rights.
Several lawmakers expressed concern over the environmental implications of heavy logging activities. Egbe Egbe Abeng (Obubra II) criticised the alleged use of bulldozers in the forest and described the financial arrangement with the community as exploitative, while Linus Etim (Akamkpa II) stressed that host communities retain the right to protect their forests where agreements are breached or have expired.
Okon Owuna (Akamkpa I) disclosed that documents before the House indicated Ezemac was licensed to operate in government forest reserves, not community forests, warning that mechanised logging poses a serious threat to forest sustainability in Akamkpa axis.
Responding, Ezemac International, represented by its manager, Mr. Steven Asuwac, acknowledged a previous encroachment into Ekuri forest in 2023, for which compensation was paid.
He denied claims of destructive logging practices, insisting that chainsaws, not bulldozers, were used for timber extraction and that the company had engaged the community and employed local youths.
Chairman of the State Forestry Commission, Dr. George Oben-Etchi, confirmed that while Ezemac holds a valid permit to operate in government reserves, logging in community forests requires both regulatory approval and negotiations with host communities.
Ruling on the matter, Chairman of the House Committee, Bette Obi, faulted gaps in forest monitoring and revenue tracking, noting discrepancies between timber extracted and official forestry records.
He directed Ezemac to suspend all actions capable of escalating tension, withdraw security involvement, and engage the Ekuri community in line with environmental laws and due process.
The committee also asked the Ekuri community to submit a unified position, as the Assembly continues efforts to safeguard environmental sustainability, community rights and lawful investment in the state’s forest sector.
By Stina Ezin, Calabar
