Cross River State says justice remains unresolved over the long-running dispute involving disputed oil wells transferred to neighbouring Akwa Ibom State. The state government’s position gained renewed attention after findings by an Inter-Agency Technical Committee indicated Cross River should receive derivation revenue linked to the affected wells. The development has revived national conversations surrounding resource allocation, maritime boundaries, and fiscal equity in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.
The controversy dates back to the aftermath of the Bakassi Peninsula cession to Cameroon following the International Court of Justice ruling. After the territorial adjustment, Cross River lost recognition as an oil-producing coastal state, leading to the transfer of several offshore wells to Akwa Ibom State. The matter later reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of Akwa Ibom in 2012.
However, recent findings from the Inter-Agency Technical Committee established by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission have reopened debate over the disputed oil wells. The committee was tasked with verifying coordinates of oil and gas assets across the Niger Delta between 2017 and December 2025.
According to the committee, 119 crude oil and gas wells previously attributed to Cross River were financially benefiting Akwa Ibom State through derivation revenue allocations. The report recommended that Akwa Ibom refund derivation proceeds linked to those assets.
Governor Bassey Otu said the committee’s report challenges the long-held assumption that Cross River permanently lost its littoral status after Bakassi was ceded. Speaking during a fact-finding engagement earlier this year, the governor stated that Cross River sacrificed significant economic assets in pursuit of national peace and regional stability.
Otu maintained that the state was not demanding special treatment but seeking legitimate entitlement linked to the disputed oil wells. He also argued that previous legal decisions relied on inaccurate geographical interpretations and incomplete technical information.
The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission clarified that the technical document remains a draft pending further review. According to RMAFC Chairman Mohammed Shehu, the report has been forwarded to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, National Boundary Commission, and Office of the Surveyor-General for technical input before final submission to the presidency.
The issue carries major economic implications for Cross River State. Government officials and stakeholders argue that the loss of derivation revenue contributed to stalled infrastructure projects, weaker public finances, and reduced economic opportunities over the years. Analysts also note that resource allocation disputes significantly affect investment planning and regional development across oil-producing communities.
The renewed attention surrounding the disputed oil wells also reflects broader concerns about fairness in Nigeria’s revenue-sharing structure. Fiscal allocations linked to natural resources remain highly sensitive among Niger Delta states because they influence budgets, employment opportunities, and social infrastructure investments.
Experts further note that unresolved boundary and derivation disputes can create long-term political tension between neighbouring states. The ongoing review process is therefore expected to attract close attention from policymakers, legal institutions, and regional stakeholders.
