Nigeria, Feb. 26 -- Civil society organisations and environmental experts have intensified pressure on the Cross River State Forestry Commission to pursue an urgent review of the Cross River State Forestry Law, 2010.

They warned that loopholes in the legislation are accelerating deforestation and emboldening forest-related crimes.

The demand was made during a media briefing on Wednesday in Calabar by a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including We The People (WTP), PADIC Africa, Uyo Iban, NGO Coalition for Environment, Nelson Ofem Initiative, Onyx Foundation Africa, Policy Alert, Nigerian Conservation Foundation and Biodiversity Rescue Club.

Speaking to journalists on behalf of the coalition, Ken Henshaw, executive dire...