By Robinson Ere Erebi
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, has called on wood dealers operating in Bayelsa State to officially register their businesses with the Ministry of Environment starting at 9:00 am on Monday, January 27, 2025. The registration is aimed at obtaining operational permits and validation.
Hon. Ololo made this call during a meeting with wood dealers, sawyers, producers, and various wood unions concerning the recent closure of Bayelsa forests in Yenagoa on Friday.
The Ministry had announced the closure of these forests on January 1, 2025, and banned the movement of wood across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner explained that the meeting arose from the government’s concern over issues stemming from the January 1 closure, including indiscriminate logging, illegal transportation of wood, and the lack of revenue remittance to the Bayelsa State Government, among others.
He outlined fifteen reasons for the Bayelsa State Government’s decision to shut down the forests on January 1, 2025:
- Logging without permits and authorization.
- Indiscriminate logging.
- Uncontrolled and excessive deforestation.
- Non-compliance with established regulations.
- Smuggling activities involving wood.
- Worsening effects of climate change.
- Threatened biodiversity due to illegal logging activities.
- Loss of wildlife and habitat.
- Zero remittance to the government.
- Logging of economic trees, such as Ogbono, bushmeat, and Banga trees.
- Increased greenhouse gas emissions.
- Increased risk of flooding in unregulated areas.
- Disruption of water sources.
- Increased air pollution.
- Lack of plans for tree planting and reforestation.
Assuring the wood dealers that the forests will reopen for their benefit, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo emphasized that it will only be accessible to those registered with the Ministry of Environment. He reiterated the government’s commitment to support wood dealers in overcoming their challenges.
“You should know that we cannot just return to business as usual; we want everything to be well coordinated. We are aware that some logged products from December 2024 and those logged from January 1, 2025, still need to be assessed. My team will inspect the waterfronts to evaluate the level of wood present, as we do not want logged goods to spoil without being sold,” he stated.
“The forests should belong to us, but under government regulations. We cannot condone wrongdoing. Moving forward, we will establish a database to keep records of the unions we are working with and the individuals involved in the business.”
“Starting Monday morning at 9 am, please ensure that all unions and union members register with the Ministry of Environment. This will allow us to gather essential data on truck drivers, dealers, sawyers, and others so that we can issue permits accurately. When we have these records, we can manage the business effectively in the best interest of Bayelsans, ensuring that future generations benefit from conservation efforts,” he elaborated.
“When the forests reopen, there will be strict adherence to the Ministry’s codes and conduct. Our rules are derived from the laws of Bayelsa State. We derive our authority from Section 41 of the Forestry Law (CAP F5, Laws of Bayelsa State 2006). If we do not act decisively now, we will not be able to regulate and plan effectively for the future,” he added.
Also speaking at the meeting, Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, urged everyone to embrace the Bayelsa project, emphasizing that collective efforts are necessary to improve the situation.
She highlighted the importance of organization and coordination among wood dealers, with government officials encouraging the formation of a central union to represent their interests and voice their concerns effectively.
“I appreciate that you supported our Governor, but I hope you also heed his reforms. Every government decision aims for the people’s good; the ban was imposed after careful consideration of the issues at hand,” she said.
The Commissioner emphasized the need for sustainable practices, stating, “You cannot take everything today. We need to think about our future.”
As discussions progressed, representatives from the timber dealers expressed their need for additional time to meet the new directives, occasioned by the sudden announcement of the ban, highlighting the personal challenges faced by many union members, including financial difficulties and the risk of lost goods.
The loss of economic trees like Ogbono, Bushbeans, and Banga trees in Bayelsa communities was also discussed, stating that the issue stems primarily from buyers who source timber from outside the communities. It was suggested that a committee should be formed to monitor and address the sale of economic trees in the State.
In a chat with Erevisions MediaTV shortly after the meeting, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo expressed gratitude to the Governor for enabling these vital discussions aimed at improving the lives of Bayelsans.
He emphasized the need for cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure the sustainable management of the state’s forests, with the ultimate goal of benefiting everyone involved while preserving the environment for future generations.
The Commissioner for Environment also went on to visit some flashpoint wood waterfronts in Yenagoa and Ogbia Local Government Areas to ensure total compliance with the new directive of the Government of Bayelsa State.
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