Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Cross River State Forestry Commission
Hon. George O’ben-Etchi is a distinguished public servant, policy leader, and sustainability advocate with extensive experience across legislative governance, public sector reform, natural resource management, and environmental conservation in Nigeria.
Since 2023, he has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Cross River State Forestry Commission, where he leads initiatives to strengthen forest governance, promote conservation, and advance sustainable land-use systems. His work closely aligns with global priorities on deforestation-free supply chains, climate resilience, and sustainable landscape management.
Earlier, Hon. O’ben-Etchi served as a Member of the Cross River State House of Assembly from 2007 to 2015, where he played a key role in strengthening parliamentary practice, enhancing policy oversight, and advancing constituency development. His legislative career was marked by principled leadership and effective engagement.
From 2015 to 2023, he served as Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Social Housing, overseeing strategic portfolios at the intersection of extractive industries, housing delivery, and inclusive economic growth. His tenure was defined by reforms that promoted responsible resource governance, improved service delivery, and measurable socio-economic impact.