Edo government suspends exploitation of forest resources

The exploitation of forest resources within and outside forest reserves in the Edo State have been suspended by the state government.

Similarly, timber licensees, saw-millers and timber contractors licences for tree logging in the state expired since June 30, 2018.

The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Omoua Alonge Oni-Okpaku, stated this a release made available to newsmen in Benin City, on Friday.

She said: “In view of the above, all forms of forest exploitation and logging activities within the forest reserves and ‘free areas’ of the state are hereby suspended with immediate effect.

“Timber licensees, saw-millers and timber contractors are hereby informed that all permits to exploit forest produce within and outside forest reserves expired on June 30, 2018.”

The suspension of the activities, according to her, is in line with “Section 41 (1) (2) and 44 (1) and (2) of the Forestry Law.”

Furthermore, the commissioner said that the development relating to the expiration of permits and suspension of forest exploitation would be communicated to the concerned stakeholders on a subsequent date.

Recall that the state government shut down burrow pits in the state recently, citing threat to the integrity of the environment, danger of flash floods and the need to avoid health hazards.

The government announced the shutdown on August 2, noting that the move became necessary in order not to predispose the state to environmental hazards.