Strengthening Nigeria’s Response to Cameroon’s Encroachment: Legislative and Diplomatic Recommendations

Abstract

The Senate has launched an ad hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged illegal annexation of Nigeria’s mangrove islands in Efiat, Mbo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. This encroachment not only challenges Nigeria’s territorial sovereignty but also threatens critical economic assets, including over 2,560 oil wells. Despite Nigeria’s legal claims, backed by the 1913 Anglo-German treaties and the 2002 International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, Cameroon has exerted control over the islands, imposing foreign laws on Nigerian communities and exploiting the region’s natural resources1. While the Senate’s investigation is ongoing, this policy brief seeks to reinforce legislative and diplomatic efforts by providing strategic recommendations to resolve the dispute.