Cross River's Oil Wells Dispute with Akwa Ibom Continues

Cross River State is grappling with the implications of a 2012 Supreme Court judgment that resulted in the loss of 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom State following the ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula. Although Cross River has recently discovered 100 new oil wells, the legal ramifications of the Supreme Court's decision continue to overshadow its oil production status.

The ruling redefined offshore boundaries, allowing Akwa Ibom to retain the 76 wells while Cross River's new discoveries, totaling 245 verified wells from 2017 to 2025, do not compensate for the legal loss. As a result, Akwa Ibom is expected to benefit from the highest number of newly attributed oil wells, maintaining its position as the principal beneficiary of the ongoing allocation landscape.

The report on this situation awaits presidential approval for implementation, raising fundamental questions about whether Cross River can truly claim victory in regaining its oil production status.