76 oil wells: A'Ibom, C'River resolve dispute

The lingering dispute over 76 oil wells between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states has been resolved following high-level engagements involving key national political actors.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday hosted Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and his Cross River State counterpart, Bassey Otu, in Abuja. Insiders described the meeting as decisive in bringing the protracted dispute to an end.

The meeting, held in the nation’s capital, signals political and administrative closure to a matter that has lingered for years, straining inter-state relations and affecting revenue expectations tied to oil derivation.

Sources familiar with the discussions said all outstanding issues concerning the ownership and control of the 76 oil wells have now been addressed, paving the way for renewed cooperation between the two neighbouring states.

The development follows Governor Eno’s working visit on February 25 to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he briefed the President on developments in Akwa Ibom State, including matters critical to the state’s economic stability.

Although details of the final terms of the resolution were not immediately disclosed, political observers view the Senate President’s intervention and engagement with the Presidency as pivotal in building consensus and restoring mutual confidence.

The 76 oil wells dispute has long been a sensitive issue due to its implications for federal revenue allocation and resource control. With the latest resolution, attention is expected to shift toward strengthening regional collaboration and ensuring that development priorities in both states are no longer hindered by prolonged legal or political disputes.

Stakeholders have described the outcome as a mature demonstration of leadership and a reaffirmation that intergovernmental dialogue remains the most effective mechanism for resolving resource-related conflicts within Nigeria’s federal structure.