Politics

Cross River Listed As Oil-Producing As FG’s Inter-Agency Committee Submits Report

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on February 16th, 2026.

Cross River Listed As Oil-Producing As FG’s Inter-Agency Committee Submits Report

In a landmark development with far-reaching economic and political implications, Cross River State has officially been recognized as an oil-producing state following the submission of a report by a Federal Government inter-agency committee. The decision marks a significant turning point for the state, which has long sought reinstatement among Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.

A Long-Awaited Recognition

For years, Cross River’s status as an oil-producing state was a subject of debate after it lost that designation due to boundary adjustments linked to the ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. The loss affected the state’s eligibility for the 13 percent derivation fund allocated to oil-producing states under Nigeria’s revenue-sharing formula.

The newly submitted report by the federal inter-agency committee, constituted to review oil well delineation and maritime boundaries, affirms that Cross River now qualifies once again as an oil-producing state. The committee’s findings were presented to the Federal Government, paving the way for Cross River’s re-entry into the league of oil-benefiting states.

Federal Government’s Role

The inter-agency committee was set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria to address lingering disputes over oil well ownership and to verify production data across affected states. Its mandate included collaboration with relevant institutions such as the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), which is responsible for recommending revenue allocation formulas.

Following extensive technical assessments, mapping exercises, and consultations, the committee concluded that oil wells attributable to Cross River fall within its recognized maritime boundaries. This determination forms the basis for restoring its oil-producing status.

Economic Implications for Cross River

The reinstatement carries major financial benefits. As an oil-producing state, Cross River becomes eligible once more for derivation funds from the federation account. These additional revenues are expected to bolster infrastructure development, social services, and economic diversification efforts in the state.

State officials have described the development as a victory for justice and persistence, emphasizing that the renewed status will help address fiscal constraints and accelerate ongoing projects in sectors such as education, healthcare, and transportation.

National Impact and Regional Dynamics

Beyond Cross River, the committee’s report underscores the importance of transparent and data-driven processes in resolving resource ownership disputes. Oil-producing status in Nigeria often shapes political alignments and inter-state relations, particularly within the Niger Delta region.

The decision also highlights the evolving framework of maritime boundary delineation and oil well classification in Nigeria’s offshore territories. With improved geospatial technology and regulatory oversight, federal authorities aim to reduce ambiguities that have historically fueled disagreements among states.

What Comes Next?

While the committee has submitted its report, the implementation phase will involve updates to revenue allocation records and formal recognition by relevant federal bodies. The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission is expected to adjust derivation calculations accordingly.

For Cross River, the recognition is more than a fiscal milestone; it represents a restoration of economic identity and an opportunity to reposition itself within Nigeria’s oil-producing framework.

As stakeholders await the final administrative steps, the development signals a renewed chapter for Cross River—one that could reshape its financial landscape and strengthen its role in the nation’s resource economy.