A socio-cultural organization, Efik Professionals, has expressed strong support for the ongoing scientific verification of oil wells attributed to Cross River State, describing it as a crucial step toward addressing long-standing economic and administrative disparities.

In a statement from the forum’s Chairman, Dr. Bassey Okon, the group praised Governor Bassey Otu for promoting an evidence-based approach to determine rightful oil allocations. They emphasized that the process could help revive the Efik community, which has faced decades of limited economic growth due to historically disputed oil well attributions.

The statement highlighted that Cross River State has struggled financially over the years because oil well allocations were often made without comprehensive hydrographic and reservoir-based assessments. According to the Efik Professionals, this has hindered infrastructure development, employment opportunities, and industrial expansion within the state.

The group also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing an Inter-Agency Technical Committee to independently verify oil well locations, noting that the move strengthens transparency and reinforces cooperative federalism.

“This verification exercise is lawful, evidence-driven, and necessary to ensure fairness and national cohesion. It is not intended to challenge judicial authority but to clarify resource allocations based on objective scientific measurements,” Dr. Okon said. The process, he added, aligns with Section 162(2) of the Constitution, which links derivation funds to the actual location of resources.

The Efik Professionals reaffirmed their support for the initiative, describing it as a technical and constitutional clarification essential for restoring economic justice to affected communities.