By Ike Uchechukwu, CALABAR

A protracted conflict between New Ekuri Community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State and Ezemac International (Nig.) Ltd over alleged unauthorised logging in the community’s forest has been resolved amicably.

The company has agreed to pay N15 million as compensation and for environmental restoration, bringing an end to tensions that had escalated following the arrest of community leader, Dr Martins Egot.

The dispute stemmed from accusations that Ezemac International entered the forest and felled trees without permission from the community, which claims ownership and custodianship of the area.

The matter drew public attention after Dr Egot’s arrest weeks ago, prompting interventions by civil society groups and environmental advocates.

In response, the community petitioned the Cross River State House of Assembly and other authorities, leading to urgent mediation efforts.

The House Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Forestry, chaired by Hon. Bette Obi, in collaboration with the member representing Akamkpa State Constituency, Ntufam Okon Owuna, facilitated talks between the parties.

On February 16, 2026, both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that spells out the terms of the settlement.

Under the agreement, Ezemac International will pay N8 million for the timber already harvested, N2 million to offset legal and dispute-related costs incurred by the community, and N5 million earmarked specifically for ecological restoration efforts. The total package amounts to N15 million.

All payments are to be completed before the company is permitted to evacuate any existing felled timber or resume operations with machinery in the forest.

The MoU reaffirms New Ekuri Community’s status as the rightful custodian of the forest, stipulating that no external entity can carry out any activity there without the community’s express approval.

The company is limited to removing only the timber cut prior to the agreement and must fully withdraw its operations thereafter. Any future logging would require a fresh, community-endorsed pact.

A key component of the settlement is environmental rehabilitation. The N5 million restoration fund will support the planting of 10,000 tree seedlings, with oversight from the Panacea for Developmental and Infrastructural Challenges for Africa Initiative (PADIC-Africa).

The deal also includes rehabilitation of access roads created during the logging to curb erosion and prevent future unauthorised access.

Reacting to the resolution, Dr Martins Egot hailed it as a victory for dialogue and institutional involvement.

“This outcome demonstrates that environmental justice can be secured through peaceful advocacy and structured processes,” he said.

Stakeholders have described the agreement as a significant milestone in forest governance in Cross River State, underscoring the rising clout of host communities and the vital oversight role played by the legislature in managing resource-based conflicts.

The settlement is seen as a model that could guide similar disputes in other parts of the state, where forests remain vital to both livelihoods and biodiversity conservation.