Nigeria’s sovereignty is at risk as Cameroon reportedly annexes the Mangrove Islands, a vital maritime region rich in oil and gas. Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East, has raised the alarm over this territorial dispute, calling it an “unlawful exploitation” of Nigeria’s resources.
Addressing the Senate on Tuesday, Bassey referenced the 1913 treaties and the 2002 International Court of Justice ruling, arguing that Cameroon’s actions undermine Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He warned that the loss of the fishing settlement—home to oil wells and gas reserves—could lead to significant economic setbacks.
The Senate, in response, set up an ad-hoc committee led by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim to investigate the annexation and recommend urgent action. Some lawmakers pushed for escalating the issue to the United Nations, while others urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately.
With growing concerns over Nigeria’s ability to protect its territorial boundaries, the coming weeks could be crucial in determining the fate of the Mangrove Islands.
