A storm of anger is brewing in Bayelsa State as members of the Bayelsa Timber Dealers Association have raised strong objections to the closure of forests across all eight local government areas. Since January 2025, timber dealers have been unable to carry out their business, a development they describe as devastating, unfair, and a direct attack on their means of livelihood.
Speaking to journalists in Yenagoa, the President of the Central Timber Dealers Association of Bayelsa, Amos Lucky Erepadei, condemned the government’s action as a sudden and unjustified move that has left thousands of families struggling for survival. According to him, the timber business in Bayelsa predates the creation of the state and has always operated in harmony with successive governments.
“This business is the only one where Bayelsa indigenes have a comparative advantage with little or no outside participation. Shutting us out without reason is cruel and unacceptable. Over 85 percent of Bayelsans depend on timber for their daily survival, and now we are left stranded,” he said angrily.
Erepadei further argued that timber remains a legitimate trade across Nigeria, and Bayelsa cannot be an exception. He insisted that his members have consistently paid all levies and taxes as stipulated by the state, proving that they are law-abiding citizens.
“Why would the state government suddenly place a ban on forestry activities without considering the negative impact on us? We are not illegal operators. We voted for this government, and we do not deserve to be paid back with bad coins,” he declared.
He lamented that despite the State House of Assembly recently holding a public hearing on a forestry bill, the association was deliberately excluded. “A law that directly affects us was discussed, yet we were treated with contempt and not invited to make inputs. That shows disregard for timber dealers,” he added.
The association stressed that timber is not only about survival but also about boosting Bayelsa’s fragile economy. Erepadei maintained that the timber sector contributes over 80 percent of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). With Bayelsa being largely a civil service state with no major industries, he argued that the government should strengthen timber trade rather than destroy it.
A member of the association, Douglas Precious, who also doubles as the Chairman of the All States Timber Dealers Association of Bayelsa, revealed that the timber sector provides direct and indirect employment to over 3,000 youths across the eight local governments.
“Without timber, crime will increase. This business has kept thousands of youths engaged, reducing crime rates drastically. Every community has troublemakers, but when youths are gainfully employed through timber, they are too busy to engage in criminality,” Precious explained.
The timber dealers accused the state government of insensitivity, noting that repeated appeals to Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo to intervene have failed. They also blasted the Commissioner for Environment, Ben Ololo, for allegedly refusing to take any meaningful steps to resolve the issue.
“We have worked harmoniously with past commissioners, but this administration seems determined to frustrate us. We are willing to cooperate, but the government must show fairness,” Precious stressed.
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With frustrations reaching boiling point, the dealers are now threatening a statewide peaceful protest if the government fails to lift the ban and address their grievances.
“We are left with no choice. If the state refuses to resolve this crisis, we will take to the streets. The hardship is unbearable, and the government must stop compounding our economic woes,” Erepadei declared.
The association also accused various revenue collection agencies of extorting members under the guise of multiple taxation. According to them, these agencies have been collecting levies allegedly meant for reforestation projects, but no evidence of tree planting has been seen.
“They claim to be collecting fees to plant trees, but can they show Bayelsans how many trees they have planted? We have evidence that many of these agencies are not remitting what they collect into government coffers. If the governor invites us, we will reveal the full truth,” the association stated.
The timber dealers’ anger is not just about business, it is about survival. With the current economic hardship biting hard across the country, the closure of forests has left thousands of families without income. The government’s silence, according to the dealers, could trigger unrest if not urgently addressed.
