The long-standing dispute between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states over the ownership of 76 oil wells may be approaching resolution, following the launch of a federal government-led initiative to verify and plot the coordinates of disputed and newly drilled oil wells nationwide.
The exercise, which commenced on Monday, is designed to conclusively determine ownership of oil and gas assets in accordance with constitutional provisions on derivation revenue, particularly in areas affected by overlapping claims.
The disagreement dates back to the federal government’s abolition of the offshore–onshore dichotomy in allocating oil derivation revenue. Cross River has consistently claimed the 76 offshore wells, asserting they fall within its jurisdiction, while Akwa Ibom maintains they are located within its maritime boundaries. Cross River previously approached the Supreme Court for clarification, but in a landmark July 2012 judgment, the apex court ruled that Cross River, as a non-littoral state, could not claim offshore wells. Despite the ruling, Cross River continued its claims, prompting further federal intervention through the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
As part of broader efforts to address similar disputes across oil-producing states, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) formally requested RMAFC to verify and plot the coordinates of all existing and newly drilled oil wells. In response, RMAFC established an Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC) in September 2025, including representatives from the National Boundary Commission, the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation, and NUPRC, to carry out the exercise.
RMAFC Chairman Dr Mohammed Bello Shehu explained that the committee conducted extensive fieldwork between September 2025 and January 2026, covering Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, and offshore locations. He emphasised that verification was essential to ensuring that oil-producing states receive their correct 13 per cent derivation entitlements as stipulated by the Constitution. Dr Shehu added that disputes frequently arise when new oil fields are developed and that only verifiable, on-the-ground data can determine ownership or the need for joint sharing of resources.
To ensure transparency and credibility, the committee physically visited creeks, offshore areas, and high seas alongside state representatives, using drones where necessary to capture coordinates. Dr Shehu assured stakeholders that RMAFC would remain neutral and impartial throughout the process and that the exercise would strengthen confidence in derivation revenue payments and reduce inter-state disputes.
RMAFC Secretary Joseph Okechukwu Nwaze described the initiative as a demonstration of institutional commitment and effective inter-agency collaboration, while Dr Khadija Kumo, Director of the Crude Oil Department, noted its importance to Nigeria’s evolving energy governance framework. Prince Folorunsho Aderinwala, coordinator of the IATC, commended RMAFC for the support that enabled the committee to carry out its assignment effectively. The exercise was prompted by petitions from the governors of Anambra, Delta, Imo, Edo, Ondo, and Rivers states seeking clarification on the ownership and boundaries of oil and gas resources within their territories.
