THE 67 OIL WELLS

Restoring What Was Lost: Cross River’s Case for the 67 Oil Wells

In a bid to reclaim control over 67 disputed oil wells, Cross River State officials are intensifying their campaign to redress a long-standing boundary controversy with neighboring Akwa Ibom. At the heart of the issue lies a potent mix of historical grievance, newly uncovered technical data, and a strategic push for economic justice.

Documented Evidence and Technical Maps

Cross River’s claim hinges on findings from a 2024 reassessment led by the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission and the National Boundary Commission. Leveraging the 11th Edition of Nigeria’s Administrative Map and the 2004 Well Dichotomy Study Map, the inter-agency committee concluded that the wells fall within Cross River’s maritime territory. The state has called for public scrutiny of these documents and invited independent verification. In a bid to reclaim control over 67 disputed oil wells, Cross River State officials are intensifying their campaign to redress a long-standing boundary controversy with neighboring Akwa Ibom. At the heart of the issue lies a potent mix of historical grievance, newly uncovered technical data, and a strategic push for economic justice.

Cross River’s claim hinges on findings from a 2024 reassessment led by the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission and the National Boundary Commission. Leveraging the 11th Edition of Nigeria’s Administrative Map and the 2004 Well Dichotomy Study Map, the inter-agency committee concluded that the wells fall within Cross River’s maritime territory. The state has called for public scrutiny of these documents and invited independent verification.

Although the Supreme Court's 2012 ruling sided with Akwa Ibom, Cross River believes new evidence should shift the narrative. Officials suggest a legislative overhaul and potential constitutional review as more effective than re-litigating the case in court. Engaging lawmakers and pursuing executive action now seem central to their strategy.

Abuja's Response and Diplomatic Pressure

According to state representatives, the federal government—through the Presidency, has acknowledged the reassessment and initiated a stakeholder dialogue. However, concerns were raised over Akwa Ibom’s hesitancy to cooperate, casting doubt on the effectiveness of Abuja’s mediation efforts.

Legal Pathways and Strategic Recourse

Although the Supreme Court's 2012 ruling sided with Akwa Ibom, Cross River believes new evidence should shift the narrative. Officials suggest a legislative overhaul and potential constitutional review as more effective than re-litigating the case in court. Engaging lawmakers and pursuing executive action now seem central to their strategy.

Abuja's Response and Diplomatic Pressure

According to state representatives, the federal government—through the Presidency—has acknowledged the reassessment and initiated a stakeholder dialogue. However, concerns were raised over Akwa Ibom’s hesitancy to cooperate, casting doubt on the effectiveness of Abuja’s mediation efforts.

Breakdown in Bilateral Engagement

Despite appeals from the Vice President and neutral platforms like PANDEF, Cross River officials lament the lack of genuine negotiations. They accuse Akwa Ibom of prioritizing media narratives over constructive resolution, while reaffirming their openness to credible mediation.

Economic Toll and Investor Skepticism

The impasse is more than a jurisdictional quarrel, it’s an economic flashpoint. Uncertainty around ownership has chilled investor confidence and hampered development in the oil-rich corridor. With billions of naira in potential revenue at stake, the need for clarity and resolution has never been more urgent.

Politics vs. Justice?

Detractors claim the timing of Cross River’s renewed claims hints at political opportunism. But state officials dismiss this as cynical deflection, insisting their pursuit predates current election cycles and is driven by justice rather than political gain.

Community Voices and Cultural Insight

Civil society and traditional institutions may hold the key to breaking the deadlock. Cross River leaders believe local elders and grassroots organizations possess historical memory and moral authority that could guide reconciliation and sustain peace.