Akwa Ibom Insists Supreme Court Ruling On 76 Oil Wells Is Final- July 22, 2025
Uyo, Nigeria – The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its stance that the Supreme Court’s ruling on the ownership of the 76 oil wells previously in contention between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States remains final and binding.
This comes amid renewed discussions and political undertones suggesting a possible review or renegotiation of the 2012 landmark judgement which transferred full ownership and derivation rights of the wells to Akwa Ibom.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, the state government described any attempt to revisit the ruling as “a gross abuse of judicial processes and a dangerous precedent capable of undermining Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.”
“The Supreme Court of Nigeria, being the highest court in the land, gave a definitive judgement on the matter over a decade ago.
That decision is final and cannot be appealed or reversed through political lobbying or public sentiment,” Ememobong stated.
The oil wells, located in the offshore border between the two states, were the subject of a prolonged legal dispute in the early 2000s.
The Supreme Court, in its July 10, 2012 ruling, upheld Akwa Ibom’s claim based on historical and constitutional arguments, including the ceding of Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon which altered Cross River’s littoral status.
Reacting to recent comments by some political stakeholders from Cross River State and the National Assembly suggesting the need to revisit the issue in light of economic challenges, Akwa Ibom officials emphasized the rule of law over political convenience.
“The court’s decision was based on facts, geography, and legal interpretation, not emotion or temporary economic downturns. The matter is closed. Any reconsideration would mean that no legal matter is ever truly settled in Nigeria,” the commissioner warned.
Legal experts have also weighed in, describing the Supreme Court ruling as res judicata – a matter already judged and settled – and cautioning against attempts to reopen it outside proper judicial channels.
The 76 oil wells contribute significantly to Akwa Ibom’s revenue base, making the state one of Nigeria’s top beneficiaries of the 13% oil derivation fund. Cross River, since losing access to the wells, has advocated for increased federal allocations to cushion the loss.
Despite this, Akwa Ibom insists that justice and constitutional order must not be sacrificed on the altar of political compromise.
“The interest of Nigeria is best served when judicial decisions are respected and implemented,” Ememobong concluded.
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