By Vivian Okejeme Abuja
The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in Nigeria (CPDN), a Civil Society Organization, has sounded the alarm on a pressing national security concern, alleging corruption within the National Boundary Commission (NBC) is compromising Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Addressing a media briefing on Monday, February 2, 2026, the group said while historical state creations—such as the emergence of Delta from Bendel and Bayelsa from Rivers—were marked by amicable settlements and shared prosperity, the current situation regarding the Akwa Ibom and Cross River state boundary is a dangerous departure from democratic norms.
CPDN alleged it uncovered a web of “administrative treason” that threatens to cede Nigerian sovereignty to the Republic of Cameroon for the sake of localized greed.
It said: “The Forgery of the 10th Edition Administrative Map of Nigeria is the legal “source of truth” for our nation. We have evidence that between 2004 and 2008, this document was clandestinely distorted five times. Orchestrated by vested interests in Akwa Ibom in collusion with high-ranking officials at the NBC, these changes were made without the knowledge or consent of Cross River State.
“Maritime Blockade: These distortions have effectively “closed” the mouth of the sea at the Calabar Basin, a vital navigational route protected since the 1913 Anglo-German agreement.
“Economic Sabotage: By shifting coordinates on paper, over 76 oil wells belonging to Cross River have been diverted to Akwa Ibom. Today, the Calabar Geological Flank—historically rich with over 1,000 wells—is officially attributed with zero, stripping Cross River of its rightful derivation.
“The Cameroon Threat: 780 Hectares at Risk, This is not merely an internal squabble; it is a national security crisis. By “doctoring” the 2008 dichotomy map to maximize oil well attribution for Akwa Ibom, the NBC has inadvertently shifted Nigeria’s international maritime front.
“A Self-Inflicted Wound: If this distorted map is allowed to stand, Nigeria will lose approximately 780 hectares of territorial waters and at least 28 oil wells to the Republic of Cameroon—not because of the ICJ ruling on Bakassi, but because of internal fraud.
“The “New Ogoni Land” Prophecy
We warn the nation today: Cross River State is being positioned to become the “New Ogoni Land.”
“While the revenue is diverted elsewhere, the environmental hazards of exploration—oil spills and gas flaring—do not respect these forged administrative lines. Cross River will bear the ecological brunt of pollution for the next 40 years with zero financial resources to mitigate the damage.”
CPDN said it refuses to stand by while civil servants deceive the Commander-in-Chief and compromise the nation’s borders, and hereby calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take the following decisive actions.
“Approve the immediate Dermacation of the Nigerian international maritime boundaries between Nigeria-Cameroon-Equatorial Guinea and realignment of the Nigerian Maritime boundary with the ICJ and Green Tree Agreement GTA negotiated map.
“Approve the recovery of 700hectare of maritime water and over 28 oil wells located within the Nigerian Transboundary Reservoirs continuity in the cross River Estuary elongated continental shelf with Cameroon
“Order the DSS and EFCC to immediately arrest and prosecute the retired and serving officials of the National Boundary Commission who orchestrated the 2004–2008 Oil Dichotomy Study Model Maps distortions.
“Immediately discard the “Dichotomy Map” of 2008 and revert to the authentic 10th Edition coordinates that recognize Cross River’s littoral status.
“Reconstitution of the RAFTAC Inter-Agency Committee: Replace the current committee with a body that reflects true equity and fairness, ensuring Cross River’s representation.
“Protect Nigeria’s Waters: Halt any internal demarcation that results in the loss of Nigerian territory to Cameroon.”
The group concluded by saying that Nigeria’s boundaries are not for sale and gave the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to address these grievances, failing which the Coalition would mobilise for sustained civil action to reclaim the stolen heritage of the Cross River people.
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