By Solomon OKPO
The lingering controversy surrounding the disputed 76 oil wells between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States has been resolved, following high-level engagements involving key political actors at the national level.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday in Abuja, hosted Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and his Cross River State counterpart, Bassey Otu, in what insiders described as a decisive meeting to put an end to the protracted dispute.
The meeting, held in the nation’s capital, signals a political and administrative closure to a matter that has lingered for years, affecting inter-state relations and revenue expectations tied to oil derivation.
Sources close to the discussions indicated that all outstanding issues relating to the ownership and control of the 76 oil wells have now been addressed, paving the way for improved 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 of strategic importance to the state’s economic stability.
Although details of the final terms of resolution were not immediately made public, political observers view the intervention of the Senate President and the engagement with the Presidency as critical steps in achieving consensus and restoring mutual confidence.
The 76 oil wells dispute has historically been a sensitive issue, given its implications for federal allocation and resource control. With the latest resolution, attention is expected to shift toward consolidating regional collaboration and ensuring that development priorities in both states are not undermined by prolonged legal or political contests.
Stakeholders have described the outcome as a mature demonstration of leadership and a reaffirmation that inter-governmental dialogue remains the most effective tool for resolving resource-related conflicts in Nigeria’s federal structure.
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