The Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, under the Chairmanship of Hon. Living Mitin, Member representing Ekeremor Constituency II, held a well-attended public hearing today at the Assembly Complex, Amarata, on the Forestry Bill 2025.
The bill, sponsored by Hon. High Chief Michael P. Ogbere, Deputy Speaker Bayelsa State House of Assembly and Member representing Ekeremor Constituency III, seeks to regulate forestry operations and promote sustainable forest management in the state. The proposed legislation aims to ensure responsible logging practices, protect endangered forest species, encourage afforestation and reforestation efforts, and introduce stringent penalties for illegal forest activities.
The public hearing provided an open platform for extensive dialogue among diverse stakeholders. Attendees included representatives of traditional rulers, environmental experts such as Chief Morris Alagoa, members of civil society organizations led by Mr. David West (CLO), officials of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment including the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, local government council chairmen, vice chairmen, principal LGA officers, forestry industry players, environmental NGOs, and concerned citizens.
In his welcome remarks, Hon. Living Mitin emphasized the importance of the Forestry Bill in addressing environmental degradation while promoting biodiversity conservation and economic development. He reiterated the Committee’s dedication to inclusive engagement, stressing that the collective input of stakeholders is key to formulating a robust and people-oriented policy.
Hon. Michael Ogbere presented the key provisions of the Bill, which include: Regulation of logging activities through a structured licensing framework; Protection of endangered forest species, including fauna and flora; Promotion of afforestation and reforestation initiatives; Clear enforcement mechanisms and sanctions for defaulters
Participants raised several pertinent issues during the interactive session. Environmental advocates voiced strong support for the conservation objectives of the bill, while community representatives demanded clearer provisions protecting the rights and livelihoods of forest-dependent populations. Industry stakeholders called for a balanced approach that would not stifle economic activity, urging the lawmakers to ensure fairness and transparency in licensing processes.
Concerns were also raised about enforcement capacity. In response Hon. Living Mitin assured participants that the bill includes mechanisms for community participation, benefit-sharing, and institutional strengthening to enable effective implementation.
Hon. Living Mitin concluded the session by thanking all contributors for their candid inputs and reaffirmed the Committee’s and Ministry’s commitment to integrating stakeholder feedback into the final draft of the Forestry Bill. He stressed that the goal is to enact a law that ensures environmental sustainability while supporting local livelihoods and economic development.
Signed:
Media Team of Hon. Living Mitin, Member Representing Ekeremor Constituency II
Chairman, House Committee on Environment
Bayelsa State House of Assembly
31st July, 2025
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