The Bayelsa State Government has taken a decisive step to protect its natural environment by imposing a comprehensive ban on the movement of wood and forest products, coupled with an immediate suspension of all dredging operations.
New Environmental Regulations Take Effect
In a major policy announcement, the state government declared that from January 1, 2026, it will be illegal to move, transport, or convey timber and any other forest products across Bayelsa. The directive, which covers all land and maritime routes, was announced by the State Commissioner for Environment, Ebi Ben Ololo, in a statement released from Yenagoa.
Commissioner Ololo issued a stern warning that anyone found violating this order will face arrest and prosecution. He emphasized that the law will be applied without fear or favour to safeguard the state's ecological future.
Complete Halt to Dredging Activities
In a related move, the government has also ordered a total suspension of dredging activities across the state. All operators have been directed to cease their work from the same date: January 1, 2026.
Ololo stated that the suspension applies universally, with no exceptions. It covers operations on:
- Land
- Inland waterways
- Rivers and creeks
- Coastal environments
He clarified that for any future operations to be considered, dredging companies must first seek and obtain proper location approval and authorization from the relevant government authorities.
Goals and Enforcement of the Directives
The commissioner explained that these twin measures are designed to achieve several critical environmental objectives:
The primary aims are to protect the environment, conserve forest and aquatic resources, prevent further ecological degradation, and eradicate the scourge of illegal logging and unauthorized dredging.
The order is directed at a wide range of actors, including:
- Individuals and transporters
- Companies and business associations
- Operators engaged in harvesting, trading, or transportation
- Land and sand dredging activity operators
Ololo delivered a particularly strong message to community leaders. He warned that any community, its leadership, or traditional ruler found to be aiding, abetting, shielding, or collaborating in prohibited logging, transportation of forest products, or dredging would be held jointly liable under relevant state laws.
"Any person, group or operator found to be in violation of this order shall be arrested and prosecuted. No exemptions shall be granted," the commissioner firmly stated.
He assured the public that the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with relevant security agencies and enforcement bodies, will ensure strict compliance across all parts of Bayelsa State. Ololo ended his statement by urging residents to cooperate with the government in this vital mission to safeguard Bayelsa's environment for both present and future generations.
