Amidst the controversy surrounding the ownership of oil wells between Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, the Cross River State government on Wednesday emphasized that its efforts to regain littoral status should not be interpreted as a claim on any territory belonging to Akwa Ibom State.
Special Adviser on Public Affairs to Governor Bassey Otu, Mr. Nsa Gill, who stated this during a briefing, explained that the clarification was due to what he described as the politicization of the issue by some Akwa Ibom elders.
He stressed that the matter extends beyond previous Supreme Court judgments, which some argue preclude Cross River from benefiting from coastal resources.
The special adviser highlighted the scientific basis for Cross River’s claim to littoral status, emphasizing the continued existence of Bakassi Local Government Area within the state and its access to the Gulf of Guinea, despite the ICJ ruling that ceded parts of the peninsula to Cameroon.
He explained that Gov. Otu, after evaluating the Bakassi Deep Seaport project, had taken steps to ensure its realization.
“A key step was the approval for a hydrographic, geophysical, and geotechnical survey of the area, contracted to the National Hydrographic Agency (under the Nigerian Navy).
“This survey, conducted around Parrot and Tomshot Islands, provided crucial data on soil composition, water depth, and other parameters necessary for the port’s construction”, he said
Mr. Gill emphasized the broader national significance of the survey, stating that its results have the potential to reshape the understanding of the Gulf of Guinea.
According to him, the technical report was presented to the president, who subsequently approved funding for the Bakassi Deep Seaport project by the Afrexim Bank, with construction managed by Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms.
He said the survey provided Nigeria with an updated nautical chart, recognized in the World Hydrographic Chart, generating revenue from ships using the area, adding that it reinforced the strategic importance of the Cross River Estuary for navigation, maritime security, and continental shelf entitlement.
“Following the presentation of scientific data, the president authorized an inter-agency technical committee for field verification.
“This committee included representatives from Akwa Ibom State, led by their surveyor general, as well as the Cross River State and federal surveyors general, and other federal agencies.
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“The team conducted a technical verification, plotting 239 crude oil and gas wellheads using current scientific base maps.
“This process goes beyond the 76 oil wells controversially awarded to Akwa Ibom State in 2012, following a Supreme Court judgment, which Cross River argues was implemented administratively without a proper survey by the National Boundary Commission and the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission,” he stated
The special adviser reiterated that Cross River State’s claims are based on verifiable facts, pointing out that Gov. Otu is committed to recovering the state’s lost littoral status and the associated financial earnings that were allocated to Akwa Ibom after the 2012 Supreme Court judgment.
He expressed hope that in time, Akwa Ibom State residents will also benefit from the resulting prosperity and development.
He concluded by underscoring the national maritime security implications of the Cross River Estuary and its offshore boundaries.
