Akamkpa Community Resolves Logging Dispute with Ezemac International
By Ekanem ASUQUO
In a major win for environmental protection in Cross River, New Ekuri Community in Akamkpa Local Government Area has successfully settled its long-standing dispute with Ezemac International (Nig.) Ltd. over unauthorized logging in the community forest. The resolution follows months of advocacy, civil society engagement, and mediation, culminating in intervention by the Cross River State House of Assembly.
The dispute escalated earlier with the arrest of community leader Dr. Martins Egot and focused on the company’s illegal felling of trees, raising concerns over environmental degradation, community security, and social risks. “We were deeply concerned that the continued logging would threaten our forest, our way of life, and the future of our children,” Dr. Egot said. With support from civil society groups, New Ekuri petitioned the House of Assembly and relevant authorities to intervene.
A breakthrough was achieved through proactive mediation by the House Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Forestry, led by Hon. Bette Obi, alongside Ntufam Hon. Okon Owuna, representing Akamkpa I State Constituency. On 16 February 2026, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, outlining terms for compensation, environmental restoration, and forest governance. Hon. Obi stated, “This agreement reflects the power of dialogue, collaboration, and adherence to the rule of law in resolving community disputes.”
Under the agreement, New Ekuri Community is formally recognized as the lawful custodian of the forest. No company may operate within its boundaries without explicit community consent. Financial terms include Ezemac International’s commitment of ₦15,000,000, comprising ₦8,000,000 for previously felled logs, ₦2,000,000 to cover legal and dispute-related costs, and ₦5,000,000 earmarked for environmental restoration. All payments must be completed before the removal of existing timber. Ntufam Owuna said, “This ensures accountability and that the community benefits from its natural resources.”
The MOU mandates an immediate halt to further logging. Ezemac is allowed only to remove timber already felled and must fully withdraw afterward. Any future operations will require fresh, community-approved agreements.
Environmental restoration is central to the settlement. Plans include raising and planting 10,000 tree seedlings under the supervision of Panacea for Developmental and Infrastructural Challenges for Africa Initiative (PADIC-Africa). The project also covers rehabilitation of forest access roads to prevent erosion and illegal entry. A PADIC-Africa representative said, “We are committed to restoring the ecological balance and ensuring the forest thrives for generations to come.”
Dr. Martins Egot hailed the peaceful resolution, saying, “This outcome demonstrates that environmental justice is achievable through lawful and peaceful means. It is a win not just for New Ekuri, but for every community fighting to protect their environment.”
The settlement is being hailed as a milestone in environmental governance in Nigeria, showing that sustainable forest protection and community rights can coexist. Hon. Obi added, “This sets a precedent for other host communities nationwide, proving that dialogue and structured engagement can deliver lasting solutions.”
