The Nigerian Senate has initiated a formal investigation into allegations of territorial encroachment by Cameroon, focusing on the alleged illegal annexation of Nigeria’s mangrove islands and maritime territories.
This move follows growing concerns over the sovereignty of these areas, particularly within Akwa Ibom State. An ad hoc committee has been established to conduct a thorough probe and provide recommendations for resolving the dispute within two months.
The Senate’s action was prompted by a motion presented by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who highlighted the severe economic and territorial implications of the alleged encroachment. He emphasized that the affected islands, located in Efiat, Mbo Local Government Area, were not included in territories ceded to Cameroon under historical treaties or the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling. The senator expressed deep concern over the imposition of Cameroonian laws on Nigerian citizens residing in the 16 ancestral villages within these disputed areas.
Senator Bassey further underscored the immense economic value of the mangrove islands, which contain over 2,560 oil wells and significant gas reserves. He argued that these resources, rightfully belonging to Nigeria, are currently being exploited by Cameroon due to the alleged illegal annexation. He also referenced a 2016 discussion between former Presidents Buhari and Biya, where the unresolved delineation of international waters around the mangrove islands was acknowledged.
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The Senate motion reiterated that Cameroon’s actions violate several international agreements, including the 1964 Resolution of the Organisation of African Unity, which mandates respect for post-independence territorial borders. The motion also pointed to the 1913 Anglo-German treaties, which clearly define the mangrove islands as Nigerian territory. Lawmakers have called for a review of the ICJ judgment and urged the Federal Government to escalate the matter to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
During the Senate deliberations, several lawmakers expressed strong concerns about the implications of the alleged encroachment. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim stressed the need for international action, emphasizing the threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and potential loss of national revenue. Senator Abdul Ningi recalled the controversial cession of the Bakassi Peninsula and urged President Tinubu to engage experts and diplomats in resolving the current crisis. Other senators echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the vulnerability of Nigerian citizens in the affected areas.
The Senate has also called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial waters and secure the country’s oil assets in the disputed region. Senate leaders have pledged to engage the President in diplomatic discussions to address the ongoing crisis. This call for presidential intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for swift and decisive action.
The newly formed Senate ad-hoc committee, chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the alleged encroachment. The committee’s mandate includes providing recommendations on how to resolve the dispute and ensure the protection of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and economic interests. This investigation signifies a critical step towards addressing the complex and sensitive issue of boundary disputes between Nigeria and Cameroon.
