The Conservator of Cross River National Park, Mr. Joseph Ntui, has raised serious concern over the fast destruction of Cross River's rainforest, revealing that the state lost about 14,000 hectares of tropical rainforest in 2025 alone. According to him, the massive loss has released an estimated eight million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, worsening climate change and increasing the risk of flooding across the state.
Speaking on the environmental situation, Ntui warned that Cross River's rainforest, known as the largest remaining tropical rainforest in Nigeria, is under severe threat from deforestation.
He explained that the continued destruction of the forest is not only affecting wildlife and rare plant species but is also making communities more vulnerable to flooding, soil erosion, rising temperatures and unpredictable weather.
According to him, forests play a major role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, when trees are cut down, the stored carbon is released back into the air, contributing to global warming and climate change.
The conservator stressed that if urgent steps are not taken to protect the remaining rainforest, many communities in Cross River could continue to experience more devastating floods during the rainy season.
Cross River is home to several endangered species, including the rare Cross River gorilla, chimpanzees, forest elephants and hundreds of unique plant and animal species that depend on the rainforest for survival. Continued destruction of the forest threatens both biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities that rely on forest resources.
Environmental experts have repeatedly called on the federal and state governments to strengthen forest protection laws, tackle illegal logging, encourage tree planting and involve local communities in conservation efforts.
The latest warning comes as many parts of Nigeria continue to face the effects of climate change, with flooding becoming more frequent and destructive.
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