By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Forestry Commission has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all unauthorised evacuation passes in line with a directive from Governor Bassey Otu to restore order in the sector.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mrs Bassey Onoyom Bassey, on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, the agency directed that all evacuation passes currently in circulation be returned to the office of the Permanent Secretary without delay.
The Commission further warned its field staff against issuing evacuation passes that are not duly authorised, stressing that violators would face “severe consequences.”
“This directive follows the instruction of His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to ensure the full restoration of normalcy in the Commission,” the statement read.
The Forestry Commission also emphasised that strict compliance with the new order was expected from all staff across the state.
The move is seen as part of efforts by the state government to curb irregularities in the forestry sector and ensure due process in the issuance of evacuation passes.
Converseer reports that the Commission approved 12 revenue passes for collection by the Cross River State Internal Revenue Service in August.
According to the public service announcement signed by Rt. Hon. Deacon George O’ben-Etchi, Chairman/CEO of the Commission on 28th August 2025, the revenue passes were:
1. Fines and Fees
2. Hammering Fees
3. Industrial Development Levy on Timber
4. Joint Tax Board (JTB)
5. Road Infrastructure Levy
6. Timber market
7. Chain Saw
8. Saw Mill
9. Timber Shades
10. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPS)
11. Levy from Quarries operating in Forest Reserves
12. Farms operating in Forest Reserves
