Senate Initiates Action to Retrieve Nigeria’s Oil Wells and Gas Resources from Cameroon

The Nigerian Senate is taking action to reclaim 2,560 oil wells and gas resources allegedly annexed by Cameroon. Senator Aniekan Bassey raised concerns about the economic losses and foreign law imposition on Nigerian citizens. The Senate has formed a committee to investigate this issue, with the goal of retrieving the resources taken by Cameroon.

The Nigerian Senate has commenced efforts to reclaim approximately 2,560 oil wells and gas resources allegedly annexed by Cameroon. These resources are believed to be located on mangrove islands across 16 communities in Effiat, situated within Mbo local government area of Akwa Ibom State, which border the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean.

At a recent plenary session, Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing the Akwa Ibom North East district, highlighted the economic detriment caused by this encroachment. He pointed out that the illegal annexation results in substantial financial losses for Nigeria and imposes foreign laws on Nigerian citizens residing in these areas.

In his motion introduced under Order 41 of Senate Rules, Senator Bassey emphasized that these territories are unlawfully controlled by Cameroon and clarified that they are not included in the October 2002 International Court of Justice ruling which led to Nigeria ceding the Bakassi Peninsula. He articulated that these islands and adjacent waters hold significant economic value, hosting major fishing routes along with the oil and gas wells that should benefit Nigeria.

Furthermore, he expressed concern for the inhabitants of these mangrove islands, numbering around 16 villages, who are subjected to conditions created by the presence of Cameroonian forces despite no Cameroonian citizens residing there. Following protests in March 2016 against this occupation, further discussions took place between the leaders of Nigeria and Cameroon regarding the legal status of the Bakassi Peninsula.

Senator Bassey outlined the implications of Cameroon’s actions, considering them a violation of international law and a threat to Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He cited commitments made in 1964 by African nations to respect each other’s borders and reaffirmed the territorial boundaries established by the Anglo-German treaties of 1913, confirming that the mangrove islands are within Nigerian jurisdiction.

In response to the pressing issue, Senate President Godswill Akpabio indicated that Senate leadership would liaise with the Presidency to address the matter of the illegally annexed resources. The Senate has formed a committee, led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, to investigate the situation comprehensively and deliver findings within six weeks.

The Nigerian Senate’s initiative to reclaim oil wells and gas resources from Cameroon underscores significant national and legal implications regarding territorial integrity. Senator Bassey’s motion draws attention to the economic loss and foreign imposition on Nigerian residents, prompting action from the Senate leadership. Through a dedicated committee, the Senate aims to investigate and potentially rectify the situation surrounding the annexed territories, which has broader ramifications for national sovereignty and resource management.

Original Source: thewhistler.ng