Cross River Forestry Commission Releases Approved Revenue List, Withdraws Unauthorized Evacuation Passes

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

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The Cross River State Forestry Commission has taken decisive steps to restore accountability, transparency, and order in the state’s forestry sector with the release of an approved list of revenue subheads for official collection by the Cross River Internal Revenue Service (CRIRS).

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This major policy directive, contained in a public statement dated August 28, 2025, was signed by the Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Ntufam (Hon.) George O’ben-Etchi, PhD, and follows a mandate issued by Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu to sanitise the sector and curb illegal revenue activities.

Governor Otu’s Reform Agenda Targets Transparency and Accountability

According to Akahi News findings, Governor Otu’s administration has consistently emphasised the need for institutional reforms across key sectors, with the forestry sector identified as one of the most critical areas requiring urgent intervention.

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The Governor’s “People First” agenda has zero tolerance for illegal revenue practices, leakages, and environmental mismanagement. With the forestry sector contributing significantly to both the economy and ecological sustainability of the state, the government insists that reforms in this area are non-negotiable.

Approved Revenue Subheads Released

The Forestry Commission’s announcement makes clear that only specific revenue streams have been approved for collection by CRIRS. These include:

Fines and Fees
Hammering Fees
Industrial Development Levy on Timber
Joint Tax Board (JTB)
Road Infrastructure Levy
Timber Market Fees
Chain Saw Permits
Saw Mill Fees
Timber Shades Levies
Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) Levies
Levies from Quarries Operating in Forest Reserves
Levies from Farms Operating in Forest Reserves

The statement warned sternly that any individual, group, or organisation conducting revenue collection outside these approved channels will face severe legal and administrative consequences.

“Members of the general public are by this notice advised to seek clarification from the office of the Chairman/CEO of the State Forestry Commission,” the announcement read, underscoring the government’s commitment to eliminating ambiguity and ensuring compliance.

Unauthorized Evacuation Passes Withdrawn

In a follow-up development, a second public service announcement dated September 2, 2025, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Forestry Commission, Mrs. Bassey Onoyom Bassey, ordered the immediate withdrawal of all unauthorized evacuation passes in circulation across the state.

“All evacuation passes previously in the field before this directive are to be withdrawn and returned to the office of the Permanent Secretary with immediate effect,” the statement stressed.

Field officers were further cautioned that issuing unauthorized passes henceforth would attract strict disciplinary measures, signalling the government’s readiness to end decades of laxity and malpractice within the sector.

Reforming Forestry for Economic and Environmental Gains

Akahi News gathered that the Otu-led administration is pursuing a holistic strategy aimed at not only boosting state revenues but also promoting environmental sustainability. Illegal logging, deforestation, and unregulated forestry activities have long threatened the state’s rich biodiversity and climate resilience efforts.

By streamlining revenue collection, enforcing legal frameworks, and clamping down on illegal practices, the government hopes to strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection.

Stakeholders React to Government Directives

Reactions from forestry stakeholders indicate widespread support for the reforms, with many expressing hope that the directives will end years of revenue leakages, arbitrary charges, and environmental degradation.

Community leaders, environmentalists, and industry operators who spoke to journalists in Calabar welcomed the government’s proactive stance, noting that restoring transparency in the sector will also boost investor confidence and ensure fair returns for legitimate operators.

A New Dawn for Forestry Governance in Cross River

With these new measures, the Cross River State Government has sent a strong message about its readiness to reposition the forestry sector as a model of accountability and sustainability.

As Governor Otu’s “People First” agenda continues to unfold, citizens and stakeholders alike are optimistic that these reforms will translate into greater economic benefits, improved environmental stewardship, and enhanced governance practices across the state.