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BREAKING: FG to Restore Cross River Littoral Status, Allocates 119 New Oil Wells Post-Bakassi

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Similarly, it recommends 119 wells for Akwa Ibom State, 22 wells for Anambra State (to be shared among relevant parties), and 92 wells for Delta and Bayelsa States combined.

he Federal Government is preparing to restore Cross River State to its status as a littoral (coastal) state, more than two decades after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in 2002 in favor of Cameroon in the dispute over the Bakassi Peninsula.

The ruling and the subsequent Green Tree Agreement in 2006 led to the cession of Bakassi to Cameroon, resulting in Cross River losing its direct access to the open sea and its classification as a littoral state, along with associated oil derivation benefits.

A recent report from the Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC)—comprising representatives from the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), National Boundary Commission (NBC), Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF), and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC)—has recommended reverting to the pre-cession status quo for Cross River.

The committee, tasked with verifying coordinates of disputed oil and gas wells as well as newly drilled ones from 2017 through December 2025, conducted extensive fieldwork from September 2025 to January 2026 across affected states and offshore areas.

According to details exclusively obtained by ARISE News Channel, the IATC report not only advocates for Cross River’s restoration as a littoral state but also proposes allocating 119 new oil wells to the state. Similarly, it recommends 119 wells for Akwa Ibom State, 22 wells for Anambra State (to be shared among relevant parties), and 92 wells for Delta and Bayelsa States combined.

The committee has urged President to direct the RMAFC and other relevant agencies to implement these recommendations promptly. This follows petitions from several oil-producing states seeking clarity on ownership and revenue derivation from disputed and new wells, amid ongoing debates over maritime boundaries and the impact of the ICJ ruling on internal state entitlements.

The move could significantly boost revenue allocation for Cross River through the 13% derivation formula for oil-producing states, though it has sparked discussions and counter-claims, particularly from Akwa Ibom, which has historically maintained that Cross River lacks littoral status post-Bakassi cession. The plotting of verified coordinates is seen as a key step toward resolving these long-standing disputes transparently.

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JAMB releases Thursday’s UTME results

In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the results of candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination on Thursday, April 16, 2026, with a total of 632,788 results now available for viewing.

In a statement issued by the Board on Friday, and signed by its spokesperson Fabian Benjamin, candidates were advised to check their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number (SIM) used during registration.

JAMB clarified that at this stage, candidates can only view their results, as printing options are not yet available.

It also issued a strong warning against attempts to manipulate or alter result messages received from official channels, stressing that such actions constitute a criminal offence.

The Board added that it is already taking action against offenders, revealing that some suspects are currently in custody.

“Currently, two candidates and one parent are in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means. Any candidate found culpable will face the full consequences of the law,” it stated.

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Arise TV Deputy Director News Win Editor of The Year Award

The award’s: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”

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Deputy Director of News, Arise TV, Ohi OIdiai, has won Editor Of The Year 2026 Awards category, courtsey of The Industry Newspaper.

In a statement, the organiser said that the award was: “In recognition of your exceptional editorial prowess, insightful journalism, and outstanding contributions to media excellence in Nigeria.”

Details later…

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JUST IN: Tinubu Signs ₦68.32 Trillion 2026 Budget

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……Extends 2025 Implementation to June 30

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given assent to the 2026 Appropriation Bill, approving a record aggregate expenditure of ₦68.32 trillion for the fiscal year.

The President also signed legislation extending the implementation period of the 2025 budget specifically its capital component from March 31, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

According to details of the new budget, ₦4.799 trillion is allocated for statutory transfers, while debt service is pegged at ₦15.8 trillion. Recurrent expenditure stands at ₦15.4 trillion, with the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure receiving ₦32.2 trillion.

Capital spending thus accounts for approximately 50 percent of the total budget, reflecting the administration’s focus on infrastructure development, national security, economic stability, and inclusive growth.

A statement from the State House described the allocations as striking a strategic balance between mandatory obligations, debt servicing, day-to-day government operations, and productive capital investments aimed at boosting productivity and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

President Tinubu also assented to the Appropriation (Repeal and Enactment) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which formally extends the 2025 capital projects window. Officials said the extension will allow Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to complete advanced-stage infrastructure and development projects, improve execution rates, and deliver better value for public funds.

The 2026 Appropriation Act takes effect from April 1, 2026, paving the way for full implementation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President has directed all MDAs to ensure disciplined, transparent, and efficient use of resources, with strict emphasis on value for money and timely project delivery.

President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for its swift consideration and passage of the budget, describing it as a demonstration of diligence, cooperation, and patriotism.

He reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches to advance national development goals.

The President further assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to deepening fiscal reforms, boosting revenue generation, stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening social protection programmes.

The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, on April 17, 2026.

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