The Nigerian Senate is taking steps to reclaim 2,560 oil wells and gas resources allegedly annexed by Cameroon. Highlighting the economic losses and territorial integrity issues, Senator Aniekan Bassey has emphasized the historical treaties affirming Nigeria’s ownership. The Senate has formed a committee to investigate this matter and will collaborate with the presidency on recovery efforts.
The Nigerian Senate has initiated efforts to reclaim approximately 2,560 oil wells and unassessed gas resources allegedly annexed by Cameroon. These resources are located in mangrove islands across 16 communities in the Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State. The affected communities are situated at the southern end of Nigeria’s territory along the Gulf of Guinea, extending to the Atlantic Ocean coast.
Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North East district, raised concerns during a plenary session, emphasizing that Cameroon’s encroachment has resulted in significant economic losses for Nigeria. He described the imposition of foreign laws by Cameroonian gendarmes on Nigerian residents as a “monumental national embarrassment.” Bassey emphasized that these territories are illegally under Cameroonian administrative control and that they were not included in the October 2002 International Court of Justice judgment, which assigned the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon.
In his motion, Bassey highlighted the economic importance of the disputed islands, which host key fishing routes and extensive oil and gas reserves that should benefit Nigeria but are currently lost to Cameroon due to illegal annexation. He pointed out that the Nigerian constitution recognizes the rights of the citizens in these communities, who have expressed their discontent with the presence of Cameroonian soldiers in their ancestral homes.
Bassey also referenced a previous engagement between former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari and Cameroonian President Paul Biya concerning the Bakassi Peninsula and related joint ventures. He reiterated that although Nigeria had accepted the International Court of Justice ruling, the specific technical aspects regarding international waters and the mangrove islands still require resolution.
The senator expressed alarm over Cameroon’s continued territorial claims and encroachments, asserting that these actions breach international laws and threaten Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He recalled a resolution from the Organization of African Unity emphasizing respect for national borders among African states after independence. He also reaffirmed that historical treaties established the mangrove islands as part of Nigerian territory.
In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that the Senate leadership would consult with the presidency to recover the oil and gas resources from Cameroon. Furthermore, a committee chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has been formed to investigate this issue thoroughly and provide a report within six weeks.
The Nigerian Senate’s decision to pursue the recovery of 2,560 oil wells and gas resources taken by Cameroon addresses significant economic losses and territorial integrity concerns. The legislative body acknowledges the legitimacy of the claims and recognizes the historical treaties confirming Nigerian sovereignty over the mangrove islands. The establishment of a committee to investigate the matter further reflects a commitment to safeguarding national interests and enforcing established international laws regarding borders.
Original Source: thewhistler.ng
