Cross River State Seeks Supreme Court Review of 76 Oil Wells Ceded to Akwa Ibom
The dispute over 76 oil wells transferred to Akwa Ibom from Cross River State in 2002 has resurfaced. This transfer, linked to the controversial ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon, was based on incorrect claims regarding Cross River's coastal access.
Recent surveys by the Nigerian Navy and Office of the Surveyor General indicate that Cross River retains its coastal access, thus entitling it to offshore revenue. Akwa Ibom's opposition to this claim has intensified.
At a Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission meeting on January 29, 2026, Akwa Ibom representatives attempted to disrupt discussions regarding the issue. Cross River State plans to petition the Supreme Court to reconsider the case, highlighting the need for legal review due to evolving geological evidence. Governor Bassey Otu is advocating for support from citizens in this effort to rectify historical injustices affecting Cross River's development.
