Bayelsa government bans movement of forest products and also suspends dredging activities

The Bayelsa State Government has announced a ban on the movement, transportation and conveyance of wood, timber and all forest products within the state, effective from January 1, 2026. The directive was disclosed in a statement issued in Yenagoa by the state Commissioner for Environment, Ebi Ben Ololo, who said the ban covers all land and maritime routes across Bayelsa State and warned that violators would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The commissioner also announced the suspension of dredging activities across the state, directing all operators to immediately cease operations from the same date. All dredging operators operating in any part of Bayelsa State are to cease dredging activities with effect from January 1, 2026, and are required to seek and obtain proper location approval and authorisation from the relevant government authorities before any future operations may be considered, Ololo said. He explained that the order applies to all dredging operators without exception, whether operating on land, inland waterways, rivers, creeks or coastal environments. According to the commissioner, the measures are aimed at protecting the environment, conserving forest and aquatic resources, preventing ecological degradation and eradicating illegal logging and unauthorised dredging. In view of the foregoing, all individuals, transporters, companies, associations and operators engaged in the harvesting, transportation or trading of wood and forest products, as well as land and sand dredging activities, are hereby directed to strictly comply with this directive, he said. Ololo further warned that any community, community leadership or traditional ruler found to be aiding, abetting, shielding or collaborating in prohibited logging, transportation of forest products or dredging activities 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, he added. He said the Ministry of Environment, working with relevant security agencies and enforcement bodies, would ensure strict compliance with the directive across all parts of the state, and urged residents to cooperate with the government to safeguard Bayelsas environment for present and future generations..