The Bayelsa State Government has announced a sweeping ban on the movement and transportation of wood, timber and all forest products across the state, effective January 1, 2026.

The directive was disclosed in a statement issued in Yenagoa by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, who said the ban covers all land and maritime routes within the state. He warned that violators would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with existing laws.

In a related development, the state government also ordered the immediate suspension of all dredging activities across Bayelsa State from January 1, 2026. Ololo directed all dredging operators to halt operations and obtain proper location approval and authorisation from relevant government authorities before any future activity could be considered.

According to the commissioner, the suspension applies to all dredging operations, whether on land, inland waterways, rivers, creeks or coastal environments, without exception.

He explained that the measures were introduced to safeguard the environment, conserve forest and aquatic resources, curb ecological degradation, and eliminate illegal logging and unauthorised dredging.

The commissioner further directed all individuals, transporters, companies, associations and operators involved in the harvesting, transportation or trading of forest products, as well as dredging activities, to strictly comply with the directive.

Ololo also warned that any community, community leadership or traditional ruler found aiding, abetting or shielding illegal logging, forest product transportation or dredging would be held jointly liable and sanctioned in line with Bayelsa State laws.

He stressed that no exemptions would be granted, adding that the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with relevant security agencies and enforcement bodies, would ensure strict enforcement of the directive across the state.