Senate Probes Cameroon’s Alleged Takeover of Oil-Rich Territories

By Achimi Muktar

The Nigerian Senate has launched an urgent investigation into the alleged annexation of parts of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states by the Republic of Cameroon, sparking concerns over national sovereignty and economic security.

In a heated plenary session yesterday, lawmakers set up an ad hoc committee to probe claims that Cameroon has illegally occupied Nigerian territories, including crucial mangrove islands housing over 2,560 oil wells in Akwa Ibom State. The Senate also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial waters and protect the country’s oil-rich assets from foreign encroachment.

A Diplomatic Nightmare Unfolds

The motion, titled “Illegal Annexation of Nigerian Mangrove Islands, Waters and its Crude Oil by the Republic of Cameroon,” was presented by Senator Aniekan Bassey (PDP, Akwa Ibom North West) and co-sponsored by Senators Ekong Sampson Akpan (PDP, Akwa Ibom South), Aminu Iya Abbas (Adamawa Central), Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (Cross River North), Williams Eteng Jonah (Cross River Central), and Ekpenyong Asuquo (Cross River South).

Bassey raised alarm over the disturbing reports that Cameroonian authorities, particularly the notorious Gendarmes, had imposed foreign laws on Nigerian citizens in at least 16 ancestral villages within the disputed region.

"This encroachment is illegal and has resulted in a significant economic loss, particularly in oil and gas revenues," he stated, describing the situation as a “monumental national embarrassment.”

What’s at Stake?

Senator Bassey highlighted that the islands under dispute were never part of the territories ceded to Cameroon under the 1913 Anglo-German treaties or the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling of 2002.

"As such, the encroachment into these territories is not only illegal but has led to huge economic losses exceeding 2,560 oil wells and gas revenues that rightfully belong to Nigeria," he stressed.

The alleged annexation has raised questions about Nigeria’s ability to protect its borders and natural resources, especially considering the controversial loss of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon in 2008—a decision that still fuels political resentment.

Senate Steps In

The newly formed ad hoc committee, chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, has been given four weeks to investigate and report back to the Senate. Other members include Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN), Shehu Kaka Lawan, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Ekong Sampson, Aniekan Bassey, Seriake Dickson, Victor Umeh, Abdul Ningi, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, and Sani Bello.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that while Nigeria must protect its territorial integrity, the government should first explore diplomatic channels to resolve the crisis.

A Ticking Time Bomb?

As tensions rise, Nigerians are left wondering: Is this another Bakassi in the making? Will diplomacy be enough, or will Nigeria be forced to take stronger measures to reclaim its land and resources?

For now, all eyes are on the Senate’s investigation—and on President Tinubu’s next move.