A coalition of 46 civil society organizations (CSOs) has called for a special presidential investigative panel to investigate the alleged loss of about 780 hectares of Nigerian marine waters within the Cross River estuary.
The CSO, under the aegis of the Center for Credible Leadership and Citizen Awareness (CCLCA), made the call while presenting the coalition’s recommendations in Abuja on Thursday.
Gabriel Nwambu, Director-General of CCLCA, said the organization, in strategic collaboration with 12 frontline rights organizations, has launched a fact-finding mission to delineate the maritime boundaries of the Gulf of Guinea and the “estuary” between Nigeria and Cameroon.
According to him, the alliance has revealed important data regarding the ownership situation between Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
“In view of the above findings, the Civil Society Coalition respectfully recommends the following immediate actions.
“Immediate establishment of Presidential Review of the Report of the 2024 and 2025 Inter-Agency Committee on Verification and Derivation Allocation of Oil Wells Affecting Cross River and Akwa Ibom.
“We recommend the direction of the President to appropriately demarcate the Nigeria-Cameroon maritime boundary within the Cross River Maritime Corridor in accordance with the 2002 ICJ Judgment Map.
“Establishment of a Presidential Special Investigation Panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the loss of approximately 780 hectares of Nigerian seawater within the Cross River estuary.
“Immediate forensic audit of all revenue and derivative payments related to the Ekanga and Zafiro transboundary oil fields,” he said.
Nwambu also called for an investigation into the alleged unilateral approval of ₦33 billion payment from the federation account without the permission of the President.
He stressed the need for diplomatic engagement with Cameroon to negotiate cross-border reservoir development agreements for the 49 identified reservoir continuity wells.
The CCLCA Director General also advocated for the restoration and recognition of the riparian status of the Cross River based on the geographical and legal status of the state.
