Cross River National Park has hosted a delegation from the Cross River State House of Assembly and the state’s Forestry Commission at its administrative headquarters in Akamkpa, as stakeholders engaged on issues relating to the management and protection of the state’s forest and wildlife resources. The visit took place on Monday, September 21, 2026.
The team lead, Hon. Martins Achadu; Vice Chairman, House Committee on Environment, stated that as part of their legislative oversight functions, the team deemed it necessary to visit the Park, identify the prospects and opportunities that abound as well as the challenges faced in discharging our duties. He stressed that the Park can leverage on the abundant biological resources to improve on its finances and impact positively on the GDP of Cross River State. He also maintained that there is need to strengthen the extant laws or enact new ones, noting that the Cross River State Government, through the State House of Assembly can assist the Park to enforce compliance and further ensure the protection of biodiversity. He emphasized that the forest is an asset which should be paid for by the multi-nationals operating within Cross River and beyond, considering the amount of carbon being sequestered by the thick vegetation.
Furthermore, he encouraged the Park Mgt. to be more visible on the media, noting that the great work the National Park Service is rendering is under-reported. He suggested that the communities should be fully involved in conservation by providing the natives with alternative sources of livelihood.
Responding, the Conservator of Parks, CP Joseph Assam Ntui, welcomed the team and appreciated them for deeming it worthwhile to identify with the Park. He gave a brief history of CRNP and emphasized on the mandate of the Service.
Moreso, the CP reeled out some of the threats bedeviling the Park, which includes; poaching, logging, illegal mining, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. He also mentioned some of the challenges faced by the Park which includes; Inadequate funding, inadequate patrol vehicles and kits, insufficient manpower, etc.
He further mentioned that the State through the Calabar Carnival Commission can exploit the enormous Tourism potentials that abound in the Park, which will be a win-win situation for all.
He however, appealed to the legislators to help regulate the activities of the State Forestry Commission in order to carry out their duties in line with International best practices. He also advocated for the establishment and training of Forest Guards to curb illegal & indiscriminate logging and farming activities in the State.
The CP further stressed that there is need to strengthen local/traditional laws as it will put the people in check and save the species.
Subsequently, the team proceeded to the Erokut Tourist Camp to savour nature.
As a follow up to this visit, the Cross River State House of Assembly in collaboration with the CRS Ministry of Environment, Forestry Commission and CRNP joined in the global commemoration of the 2026 World Gorilla Day (24th September) with the theme “GORILLAS: GUARDIANS OF THE FOREST.”
This event which was preceded by a radio talk show, where the discussants (the Chairman House Committee on Environment – Hon. Ovat Agbor, the consultant to the CRSHA on environment matters – Dr. Jude Bepeh and DCP Rebecca Ikpeme) x-rayed the threats faced by the Cross River Gorilla, which includes habitat loss, poaching and trafficking. It also featured a road walk to educate the public on the need to protect the Cross River Gorilla.
Flagging off the event, the Speaker, Cross River House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Eyambem, called on all to join hands in the protection of this critically endangered species, whom he described as “our cousins”. He harped on sustainable collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure the protection of its habitat.
