The Nigerian Senate has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged annexation of mangrove islands and maritime territories in Akwa Ibom State by the Republic of Cameroon. This move follows a motion raised by Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom, during a plenary session on Tuesday. The issue has sparked concern among lawmakers, as it is feared that Cameroon’s actions are threatening Nigeria’s territorial integrity and causing significant economic losses.
The committee, led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC-Ondo), has been tasked with probing the situation surrounding the islands of the Effiat clan in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, which have reportedly been taken over by Cameroon. These islands, which are crucial to Nigeria’s maritime and economic interests, have been home to several villages and oil wells. The Senate is concerned that this illegal annexation is not only breaching Nigeria’s sovereignty but also depriving the country of important resources.
The Mbo mangrove islands are located west of the Rio Del Ray estuary, which serves as the natural boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon. These islands are vital for the local fishing community and contain significant natural resources, including oil and gas reserves. The area has long been a source of livelihood for many Nigerians who rely on the rich marine life and other economic activities in the region.
In addition to its economic value, the islands are also of strategic importance due to their proximity to international waters. The alleged encroachment into this territory by Cameroon has raised alarms about the country’s ability to protect its territorial integrity, particularly in light of the significant natural resources that could be exploited by a foreign nation.
Senator Bassey, who sponsored the motion, stated that the annexation of the islands by Cameroon is not just an infringement on Nigeria’s territorial boundaries but a direct violation of international agreements, including the 1913 Anglo-German treaties and a 2002 ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). According to these agreements, the mangrove islands were part of Nigeria’s territory and should not have been ceded to Cameroon.
Senator Bassey’s motion highlighted that Cameroon’s actions in annexing the islands were in direct contravention of the established international treaties. He expressed grave concerns about the illegal occupation of the territory, noting that over 2,560 oil wells and vast gas reserves have been lost due to this annexation. He referred to the situation as “a monumental and national embarrassment,” stressing that foreign laws were being imposed on Nigerians who live in 16 ancestral villages located in the affected areas.
“The annexation of the mangrove islands and waters by Cameroon remains a clear violation of international law, and it constitutes an affront to Nigeria’s territorial integrity,” Senator Bassey said. “This unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s resources is not only damaging to our economy but also undermines our sovereignty.”
The senator further explained that Cameroon’s continued occupation of these territories, despite the ICJ ruling in 2002, poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security. He also pointed out that Nigeria had already ceded 32 villages in the Adamawa and Lake Chad areas to Cameroon under pressure, but the annexation of the mangrove islands was an unwarranted expansion of foreign influence.
Several senators voiced their concerns during the plenary session and urged for swift action to address the situation. Senator Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) emphasized the urgency of the matter, calling on the Nigerian government to take immediate steps to reclaim the territories. He also urged the National Boundary Commission to intervene and protect the country’s national interests.
Senator Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for Nigeria to enforce the ICJ’s ruling, which clearly stated that the mangrove islands belong to Nigeria. He urged the Nigerian government, particularly the Attorney General of the Federation, to take action to ensure the ruling is fully implemented. “We cannot allow this matter to continue unaddressed,” Senator Umeh said. “We need to act quickly and recover our territory, which includes over 2,000 oil wells that are rightfully ours.”
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC-Ondo), the chairman of the newly formed ad-hoc committee, described Cameroon’s actions as a direct challenge to Nigeria’s sovereignty. He proposed that the matter be taken to the United Nations to further highlight the breach of international law and Nigeria’s territorial rights. Other senators, including Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa) and Asuquo Ekpoyong (APC-Cross River), also expressed strong support for the motion, citing the need to protect Nigeria’s resources and uphold international agreements.
In response to the concerns raised by the lawmakers, the Senate has resolved to engage President Bola Tinubu on the matter. The Senate leadership intends to urge the president to take diplomatic measures to address the illegal annexation and protect Nigeria’s territorial boundaries.
The Senate also instructed the ad-hoc committee to thoroughly investigate the matter and submit its findings within two weeks. This timeline suggests the Senate is keen on fast-tracking the inquiry and taking decisive action to resolve the issue. The committee, which includes senators from various political parties and regions, will likely hold hearings and consult with relevant agencies such as the National Boundary Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to determine the full extent of Cameroon’s encroachment.
The alleged annexation of the mangrove islands by Cameroon underscores the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in protecting its maritime and border territories. The country has faced a number of border disputes with neighboring countries over the years, but this latest development highlights the urgency of reinforcing Nigeria’s sovereignty, especially in resource-rich areas.
The annexation of the mangrove islands is not just a matter of territorial integrity; it also has significant implications for Nigeria’s economic future. The loss of oil wells and gas reserves, which are crucial to the country’s economy, could have long-term consequences for the region and the nation as a whole. Furthermore, the continued illegal occupation of Nigerian territories by foreign powers could undermine the country’s standing in the international community.
The Senate’s investigation into the matter is expected to bring greater attention to these issues and potentially lead to stronger actions by the Nigerian government to protect its resources and assert its sovereignty. The involvement of the United Nations and other international bodies may also play a crucial role in resolving the dispute and ensuring that Nigeria’s rights are upheld under international law.
As the Senate committee begins its investigation, Nigerians are eagerly awaiting updates on the progress of the inquiry and the potential outcomes that could safeguard the country’s territorial integrity and economic interests.
