On Cross River’s Claim to 76 Oil Wells
The only reason Cross River was ever regarded as a littoral state was because it had direct access to the Atlantic Ocean through Bakassi. But with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling and the Green Tree Agreement, Bakassi was ceded to Cameroon. That immediately left Cross River landlocked, with only a few islands, and therefore no longer a littoral state.
Consequently, all oil wells in Bakassi were lost. From the official maps, it is clear that the Nigeria–Cameroon boundary meets Akwa Ibom’s boundary before reaching the sea. By law and geography, Cross River no longer qualifies as a littoral state.
Being on a river does not make a state littoral. Benue sits on the Benue River, Niger on the Niger River, Kogi at the confluence of the Niger and Benue, and Cross River State itself on the Cross River, but none of them are littoral. Littoral status depends strictly on access to the sea, not rivers or naval bases. Therefore, Akwa Ibom does not owe Cross River any 76 oil wells.
On Reported ₦500 Million Payment to Cross River
If such an agreement was reached, it was after my administration. During my tenure, Cross River went to court hoping to gain oil wells from the ICJ decision. But when the judgement went against them, they withdrew the case. I countersued and insisted that the Supreme Court and the Federal Government uphold the ICJ ruling. The Court affirmed that Cross River is not a littoral state.
Oil wells belong strictly to the state in whose territory they fall. If they lie within Akwa Ibom boundaries, they belong to Akwa Ibom. Nobody has ever provided proof that Akwa Ibom is drawing revenue from Cross River oil wells. Boundaries decide ownership, not sentiment.
Related: A’Ibom Ownership of 76 Oil Wells Is Sacrosanct – Gov. Eno
On Calls for a Political Solution
I once suggested a political compromise, even proposing that portions could be shared, but Cross River rejected it and chose to rely on the courts. When the Supreme Court judgement did not favour them, they withdrew, and I obtained judgement in Akwa Ibom’s favour.
To now suggest that Akwa Ibom should “dash” Cross River oil wells is like asking Zamfara to give away its gold mines. Oil wells are not gifts; they are tied to land. Unless Nigeria’s boundaries are to be redrawn, which is unthinkable, there is no basis for negotiation.
—Being excerpts from Former Governor Victor Attah on ARISE TV, Thursday, September 11, 2025
