BY Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State government has ordered the indefinite closure of all forest activities including timber logging, floating and movement in the state forests.

The state Commissioner for Environment, Hon Ebiye Ben-Ololo, who disclosed this on Wednesday in Yenagoa said the closure takes effect from 1st January 2025.

The move, according to the commissioner, is in line with the ministry’s mandate to protect and conserve the forests as contained in section 41 of the Forestry Law, CAP F5 Laws of Bayelsa State 2006.

He said: “All forests in Bayelsa State are hereby closed for all wood logging activities indefinitely.

“No individual or persons is allowed to take out, or otherwise deal with any forest produce in the state forest without the authorisation of the Ministry of Environment “

The commissioner warned that any person or group of individuals caught taking out forest produce (wood) without permission or authorisation shall be apprehended and prosecuted.

“Also, any vehicle, vessel or boat used in the conveyance of all forest produce shall be confiscated including floatation movement of wood on the waterways, and persons onboard shall be prosecuted,” he added.