Calabar, Nigeria In a decisive move toward environmental sustainability, toplevel stakeholders gathered today at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, to refine the implementation strategy for Cross River State’s Deforestation-Free Policy.
The high powered session brought together policymakers, environmental experts, civil society actors, and development partners, all unified by a common goal to preserve the state’s rich forest heritage while strengthening climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment underscored the urgency of the moment, declaring:
“Cross River will not only talk deforestation-free; we will lead it.”
This policy dialogue marks a turning point in the state’s approach to forest governance. Known as one of Nigeria’s last remaining forest frontiers, Cross River is now taking concrete steps to align local action with global climate commitments, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.
The Deforestation Free Policy, once fully implemented, is expected to curb illegal logging, enhance community based forest management, and promote green jobs across forest dependent communities.
Stakeholders at the session welcomed the initiative, describing it as both timely and necessary. With the impacts of climate change already visible across Nigeria, experts stressed that preserving Cross River’s forests is not only a local priority but a national and global imperative.
As the state pushes forward,
