The Nigerian Senate has inaugurated a nine-member ad-hoc committee to investigate claims of illegal annexation of Nigerian territory by neighboring Cameroon.
The probe follows a motion sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey, who raised concerns over the loss of sixteen ancestral communities and 2,560 oil wells in Akwa Ibom State due to a 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling. Bassey further alleged that Cameroon’s actions violate multiple international agreements, prompting calls for a review of the judgment and for the matter to be reported to the United Nations.
Sponsored Ad
During deliberations, Senators from Cross River, Adamawa, and Ogun States highlighted similar border disputes affecting their regions, underscoring the broader implications of the alleged territorial loss.
Lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of the ICJ ruling, describing it as one-sided and calling for a comprehensive review. The Senate consequently mandated the ad-hoc committee, led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, to urge President Bola Tinubu to take immediate steps to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity. These measures include securing the disputed mangrove islands in Akwa Ibom State, where over 2,560 oil wells are reportedly located