Buyers Beware: Forestry Commission Says Forest Reserve Land Transactions Are Invalid

CALABAR, NIGERIA – The Cross River State Forestry Commission has warned individuals, communities and organisations against buying or engaging in any transaction involving forest reserve lands, declaring such dealings illegal and without legal effect.

The Commission said the increasing cases of unauthorized sale, allocation, lease and transfer of portions of forest reserves across the state violate existing laws which vest ownership and control of forest reserves exclusively in the Cross River State Government.

In a press release signed by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, Rt. Hon. George O’Ben-Etchi, the agency expressed concern over the activities of some communities, individuals and groups allegedly involved in illegal forest land transactions.

The Commission stated that the practice threatens the integrity of protected forest areas, undermines biodiversity conservation efforts and affects the sustainable management of the state’s forest resources.

It warned prospective buyers and investors that any transaction involving forest reserve lands has no legal backing.

“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 statement read.

The Forestry Commission explained that forest reserves remain under the ownership and control of the Cross River State Government, stressing that no individual or group has the authority to sell, allocate, lease or transfer such lands without government approval.

The agency therefore directed communities, traditional institutions, individuals and groups involved in the alleged illegal activities to desist immediately.

The Commission said failure to comply with the directive would attract strict enforcement measures, including the recovery of illegally acquired lands and assets, as well as investigation and possible prosecution of persons or entities involved.

“Failure to comply with this directive will attract strict enforcement measures, including the recovery of all illegally acquired lands and assets, as well as the investigation and prosecution of all persons and entities involved,” the Commission warned.

The agency further directed all Commissioners, Zonal Officers, Forest Officers and Chief Rangers to ensure full compliance and enforce the directive across the state.

The Forestry Commission said the move was part of efforts to protect Cross River’s forest heritage, preserve critical ecosystems and ensure that forest resources remain available for present and future generations.

The development comes amid growing concerns over environmental degradation and pressure on forest resources, with authorities insisting on stronger measures to protect protected areas across the state.