An ARISE News analyst, Sam Amadi, has called for a scientific and administrative approach to resolving the renewed dispute over oil wells between Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking on Tuesday, Amadi said the controversy highlights “a classic conflict between judicial finality and scientific progress,” urging the federal government to act on fresh technical findings that could redefine ownership and derivation rights.
He explained that while the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruling—linked to the International Court of Justice decision and the Green Tree Agreement—influenced the allocation of oil wells after the ceding of Bakassi, it did not definitively settle maritime boundaries or account for future discoveries.
“The Supreme Court did not determine the actual maritime coordinates or boundaries between the states,” he said, noting that the judgment does not preclude new scientific evidence.
Amadi stressed that updated geospatial data and newly identified oil wells should be independently assessed, adding that verified findings could justify reattributing some assets to Cross River if they fall within its territory.
He also emphasised that Nigeria’s derivation principle can evolve with new discoveries, rather than remaining tied strictly to historical assumptions.
On delays in submitting the technical committee’s report to the presidency, Amadi urged immediate action, stating that the executive has the authority to implement findings without contradicting existing court rulings.
“The Supreme Court did not issue a perpetual injunction against future discoveries,” he said, adding that administrative decisions can be guided by credible scientific data.
While acknowledging Akwa Ibom’s reliance on the finality of the judgment, he described that position as “understandable but limited,” arguing that the ruling should not be stretched beyond its original scope.
He further warned that prolonged disputes could lead to revenue losses and heighten insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea, including risks of piracy and illegal oil activities.
Amadi called on the federal government to release the technical report, engage stakeholders, and pursue a political resolution, while encouraging both states to adopt dialogue and negotiate a fair outcome.
He concluded that resolving the dispute would require a balance of legal respect, scientific validation, and political will, guided by national interest.
By Boluwatife Enome
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