By
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Senate has launched an investigation into the alleged illegal annexation of Nigerian mangrove islands and maritime territories by the Republic of Cameroon. This development follows a motion moved by Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East), who raised concerns over the loss of 16 ancestral communities and over 2,560 oil wells in Akwa Ibom State.
The motion, presented under Senate Orders 41 and 51, prompted the upper chamber to constitute a nine-member Ad-hoc Committee to examine the situation and report back within two months with recommendations.
During the plenary session, lawmakers called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate measures to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and safeguard the country’s economic resources. They emphasized that the alleged annexation by Cameroon violates international agreements, including the 1913 Anglo-German Treaties and the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, which defined Nigeria’s territorial boundaries with Cameroon.
Senator Bassey, while presenting his motion, expressed deep concerns over the economic and political implications of the encroachment. He noted that the affected territories in Efiat, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, were never part of the lands ceded to Cameroon under the ICJ ruling.
“It is a monumental national embarrassment that foreign laws are being imposed by the Cameroonian Gendarmes on Nigerians living in the 16 ancestral villages in these areas,” Bassey stated.
He further stressed that the encroachment was illegal and had led to significant economic losses, particularly in oil and gas revenues.
“I rise with the utmost sense of responsibility to bring to the attention of this Senate the illegal annexation of Nigerian Mangrove Islands situated at Efiat in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State by the Republic of Cameroon. These islands host crucial fishing routes and over 2,560 oil wells, which should be generating revenue for Nigeria but are currently under Cameroon’s control,” he said.
The motion called for a review of the ICJ judgment and urged the Nigerian government to escalate the issue to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) stressed the need for urgent diplomatic intervention, warning that the Senate must not remain silent on threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“There is a violation of our territorial rights, and this can cause environmental disaster and reduce national revenue. The Senate must escalate this matter to the United Nations to seek justice,” he stated.
Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) recalled Nigeria’s controversial ceding of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon under former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, lamenting that history was repeating itself.
“We continue to treat our people as if the communities in Akwa Ibom and Cross River do not matter. The Senate should escalate this matter to President Tinubu and involve experts and diplomats to assess the situation. Africa sees Nigeria as a ‘lame duck leader,’ a giant that is not given its due respect by smaller African countries,” Ningi added.
Broader Territorial Concerns
The issue of territorial encroachment was not limited to Akwa Ibom. Other senators raised concerns about similar border conflicts affecting their states.
Senator Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East) pointed out that the Republic of Benin had laid claims to Tongeji Island in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State, calling for increased vigilance on Nigeria’s land and maritime borders.
Senator Amos Yohanna (Taraba North) noted that four local government areas in Taraba State were also affected by boundary disputes, urging the federal government to empower the National Boundary Commission to address these issues comprehensively.
Senate Ad-hoc Committee Formed
Following extensive deliberations, the Senate set up a nine-member Ad-hoc Committee, chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, to investigate the matter and report back within two months.
The members of the committee include:
Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) – Chairman
Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central)
Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West)
Kaka Lawan (Borno Central)
Banigo Ipalibo (Rivers West)
Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North)
Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South)
Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East)
The Senate also resolved to engage President Bola Tinubu directly to explore diplomatic resolutions to the crisis and ensure Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty is protected.
The annexation of Nigerian territories by Cameroon raises serious political, economic, and security concerns. With billions of dollars in oil and gas revenues at stake, and thousands of Nigerians reportedly living under Cameroonian rule, the Senate’s investigation is expected to provide a clearer picture of the situation. As Nigeria moves forward, diplomatic strategies, legal battles, and possibly a review of international agreements may become necessary to reclaim its lost territories.
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