The Edo State Government has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to order an immediate halt to crude oil drilling in the disputed oil wells between Edo and Delta states until the boundary issue is resolved.
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa appealed in Benin on Friday while receiving the Director General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Adamu Adaji, and his team.
Idahosa also called for the freezing of accounts belonging to Delta-based oil firms operating in the disputed locations, arguing that such action would promote fairness pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
“I want to appeal to the President to instruct regulatory agencies to stop all benefits accruing to Delta State until this matter is resolved,” he said. “It is clear that Delta State is playing games with us and with the NBC. They know these assets belong to Edo State.”
He urged the commission to thoroughly review all documents submitted by both states, noting that Edo had provided its documentation since July, while Delta was yet to do so.
The deputy governor expressed concern over the impact of the dispute on affected communities, particularly Orogho and Urhonigbe, stressing that residents remained peaceful despite rising tension.
“Our people are suffering from resources meant to benefit them. If this issue lingers, it could lead to internal or communal crises. That is why we want it resolved as soon as possible,” he warned.
In his response, NBC Director General Adamu Adaji reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to bringing the matter to a close.
He said the visit was part of efforts to speed up the resolution process.
“We cannot allow any party to delay the process. We will interface with both sides individually where clarity is needed. This will be done using available delineation documents and established procedures before making recommendations to the Federal Government,” Adaji said.
Meanwhile, Edo State governor, Monday Okpehbolo, on Tuesday, said his administration has created over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs since he assumed office as governor.
The Governor, who stated this while speaking during the celebration of his administration’s one year in office, disclosed that the administration also launched a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme for small businesses and traders in the state.
According to him, his first year in office has been about restoring trust, rebuilding foundations, and replacing PowerPoint governance with Practical Governance that touches lives and transforms communities.
Okpehbolo, while disclosing that the administration inherited over ₦600 billion in local and foreign debts and ₦180 billion owed to contractors, said that through prudent management and transparency under the SHINE Agenda, the burden had been reduced significantly.
