The Nigerian Senate has established a nine-member ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged illegal annexation of Nigerian territory by neighbouring Cameroon. This decision follows a motion sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who highlighted the loss of sixteen ancestral communities and 2,560 oil wells in Akwa Ibom State due to a 2002 World Court judgment.
The motion also emphasized that the annexation violates multiple international agreements, prompting lawmakers to advocate for a review of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) judgment. Senators called for the matter to be reported to the United Nations Convention to address the territorial dispute.
During the debate, senators from Cross River, Adamawa, and Ogun States drew attention to similar territorial issues in their respective regions, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
The Senate resolved to task the Senator Jimoh Ibrahim-led ad-hoc committee with urging President Bola Tinubu to take immediate steps to protect Nigeria’s territorial waters. This includes securing over 2,560 oil wells identified within the disputed mangrove islands in Akwa Ibom State.
The establishment of the committee reflects the Senate’s commitment to addressing territorial disputes and protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty. The investigation is expected to provide recommendations for resolving the issue and preventing further encroachments.
