The Nigerian Senate has launched an investigation into the alleged annexation of Nigeria’s maritime territory and mangrove island villages in Akwa Ibom State by Cameroon, raising concerns over sovereignty, economic loss, and international treaty violations.
The Senate’s resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Aniekan Bassey (PDP-Akwa Ibom) and co-sponsored by six other senators during plenary yesterday. An ad-hoc committee, chaired by Jimoh Ibrahim (APC-Ondo), has been set up to probe the matter.
Other members include Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo), Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa), Shehu Kaka (APC-Borno), Ipalibo Harry Banigo (PDP-Rivers), Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Rivers), Ekong Sampson (PDP-Akwa Ibom), and Aniekan Bassey (PDP-Akwa Ibom).
The Mbo mangrove island, located west of the Rio Del Ray estuary and serving as Nigeria’s official border with Cameroon, is home to rich oil and gas reserves. However, Bassey asserted that the island was never part of the territories ceded to Cameroon, referencing the 1913 Anglo-German treaties and the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling.
According to Bassey, Cameroon’s alleged encroachment has led to economic losses exceeding 2,560 oil wells and significant gas revenues that rightfully belong to Nigeria. He described the situation as a “monumental national embarrassment,” highlighting that Nigerians in 16 ancestral villages now live under foreign laws imposed by Cameroon.
He further warned that Cameroon’s administrative control over the Anglo-Island waters within Mbo Local Council directly contradicts international treaties and Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
Senators across party lines voiced strong concerns over the annexation and called for immediate intervention. Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) emphasised the need for swift action by the National Boundary Commission and other relevant agencies to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) urged the government to enforce the ICJ ruling, arguing that Nigeria must not passively accept the judgment without ensuring its implementation.
“We must act quickly to reclaim our land, which holds over 2,000 oil wells,” Umeh stated.
The Guardian
