Ukorebi Esien | January 31, 2026
CALABAR Youth leaders in Cross River State have thrown their weight behind the state government in its renewed effort to reclaim its oil wells and the constitutionally guaranteed 13 percent derivation, describing the ongoing hearing at the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFC), Abuja, as a defining moment in the state's economic history.
This position was made known by the Cross River State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in a press release issued on Thursday, January 30, 2026, where the youth body expressed strong solidarity with the administration of Governor Bassey Edet Otu and called for fairness, transparency and justice in the RMFC process.
The statement signed by the State Public Relations Officer of NYCN, Comrade Melchizedek David, reads in full:
The Cross River State Chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) hereby expresses its strong solidarity and unwavering support for the Government of Cross River State in its ongoing efforts to reclaim the state's oil wells and the constitutionally guaranteed 13% Offshore Oil Production Derivation at the hearing currently taking place at the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFC), Abuja.
This process represents a critical step in restoring the economic rights, fiscal stability, and developmental prospects of Cross River State. The loss of these oil assets and derivation benefits over the years has had significant implications for revenue generation, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and overall socio-economic growth of the state.
As the umbrella body of youths in Cross River State ably led by His Youthfulness Comr. Emmanuel Olayi, the NYCN firmly believes that the reclamation of these resources is not only lawful and justifiable but also essential for securing a better future for present and coming generations of Cross Riverians.
We commend our very cerebral and dogged Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, and the entire state leadership for their courage, diligence, and strategic approach in pursuing this legitimate cause through constitutional and legal channels. Their commitment reflects genuine leadership and a deep concern for the welfare of the people.
The NYCN assures the State Government of the total support, cooperation, and mobilization of the youth constituency throughout this process. We remain committed to peaceful advocacy, civic engagement, and constructive participation in all efforts aimed at protecting the interests of our dear state.
We also call on the National Boundary Commission and the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to conduct its deliberations with utmost transparency, fairness, and objectivity, guided by facts, equity, and constitutional provisions, in the overall interest of justice and national unity.
Furthermore, we urge all relevant stakeholders, including federal authorities, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians, to support Cross River State in this noble and legitimate pursuit.
The youths of Cross River State remain united and resolute in standing with their government to reclaim what rightfully belongs to the state for sustainable development and shared prosperity.
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