The annexation by Cameroon has led to the loss of over more than 2,560 oil wells and valuable gas reserves, resulting in significant economic loss to Nigeria.
The senate has constituted an eight-member ad-hoc committee to probe the alleged annexation of maritime territories and mangrove island villages belonging to the Effiat clan in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State by the Republic of Cameroon.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom North East) and co-sponsored by six other senators during Tuesday’s plenary.
Committee leadership and membership
Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo south) was appointed chairman of the ad-hoc committee. Other members include Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo central), Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa west), Shehu Kaka (APC, Borno central), Ipalibo Harry Banigo (PDP, Rivers West), Agom Jarigbe (PDP, Cross River north), Ekong Sampson (PDP, Akwa Ibom south), and Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom North East).
Mbo Mangrove Islands: Economic and strategic importance
The affected Mbo mangrove islands, located west of the Rio del Rey estuary, serve as Nigeria’s official boundary with Cameroon. The area is not only home to fishing settlements but also hosts oil wells and significant gas reserves.
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Presenting his motion under Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Rules, Sen. Bassey argued that the territories in question were never part of the land ceded to Cameroon. He cited the 1913 Anglo-German Treaty and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment of October 2002 to support his claim that Cameroon’s encroachment is illegal.
According to Bassey, the annexation has led to the loss of control over more than 2,560 oil wells and valuable gas reserves, resulting in significant economic loss to Nigeria.
Violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law
Bassey described the situation as a “monumental national embarrassment,” lamenting that Cameroonian laws are now being imposed on Nigerians in 16 ancestral homes and villages.
He further warned that the Anglo Island waters geographically situated within Akwa Ibom’s Mbo Local Government Area are currently under Cameroon’s administrative control, an act he described as illegal and a direct violation of Nigeria’s Constitution, the 1913 treaty, and the ICJ ruling.
“It is an affront on Nigeria’s territorial integrity and unlawful exploitation of Nigeria’s economic resources,” he said.
Bassey recalled that while Nigeria swiftly complied with the ICJ judgment by ceding over 32 villages from Adamawa to Lake Chad areas, Cameroon has refused to release Nigerian territories it occupies, worsening the economic impact on the region and the nation.
Senators call for immediate action
In support of the motion, Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin stressed the need for urgent intervention, urging the National Boundary Commission and other relevant agencies to protect Nigeria’s interests and its citizens.
Sen. Victor Umeh (LP, Anambra central) also called for the enforcement of the ICJ ruling, reminding the senate that Nigeria cannot afford to ignore a judgment that favors the country. He urged the Attorney General of the Federation to immediately initiate processes to recover the mangrove islands.
“Let us act fast and recover our territory with over 2,000 oil wells,” he said.
On his part, Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim described the situation as a direct challenge to Nigeria’s sovereignty. “We need to report it to the United Nations,“ he said.
Senate resolution and next steps
In its resolution, the senate resolved to engage President Bola Tinubu and urged him to initiate diplomatic actions to address the illegal annexation of Nigeria’s maritime territories by Cameroon.
The ad-hoc committee was mandated to report its findings within two weeks.
