The Anambra State Government has reclaimed about 10 oil wells previously credited to neighbouring Delta State, a development officials say could notably boost the state’s revenue and economic prospects.
The Managing Director of the Anambra State Solid Mineral Development Company and Chairman of Anambra State Petroleum and Energy Resources Limited, Professor Charles Ofoegbu, disclosed the development while speaking to journalists in Awka, the state capital.
According to Ofoegbu, the oil wells, located around the Anambra River Basin along the maritime boundary between Anambra and Delta states, had been assigned to Delta State due to a long-standing boundary dispute.
He said the wells were successfully recovered following a verification exercise by Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
He explained that once the commission’s report is formally approved, Anambra State would begin to receive additional revenue from the oil wells.
“The state government is working tirelessly to recover a substantial number of Anambra oil wells currently claimed by neighbouring states due to boundary issues,” Ofoegbu said, noting that the recovery would increase the state’s 13 per cent oil derivation revenue from the Federal Government
Anambra was officially recognised as one of Nigeria’s oil-producing states in 2025, with an initial production capacity estimated at about 3,000 barrels per day.
Beyond the oil wells, the state government is also pursuing energy and mineral resource development projects aimed at expanding revenue sources.
Collaborating with Foreign Investors
Ofoegbu said the government is collaborating with foreign investors to establish a modular refinery in Ossamala, Ogbaru Local Government Area.
The refinery is expected to produce petrol and diesel for distribution within Anambra and neighbouring states.
In addition, the state is developing solid mineral resources. Ofoegbu disclosed that “a kaolin mining site is being opened in Ukpor, in Nnewi South Local Government Area, while plans are underway to establish a bentonite processing plant at Achalagu in Nteje, with raw materials sourced from Umuchu and Ufuma communities.
Bentonite, widely used in the oil and drilling industry, could provide another stream of revenue for the state if commercialised”, he said.
Ofoegbu noted that income from the oil sector has already contributed to several development projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, including the construction of the Solution Fun City leisure and tourism complex.
He described the recovery of the oil wells as a major economic milestone for the state, saying it would strengthen Anambra’s financial position and support its long-term development agenda.