The Nigerian Senate has officially established an ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged annexation of maritime territories and mangrove islands belonging to the Effiat clan in the Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. This resolution came after a motion was adopted during a plenary session on March 18, 2025, which was sponsored by Senator Aniekan Bassey of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing Akwa Ibom, alongside six other co-sponsoring senators.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State has been appointed as the Chairman of this ad-hoc committee. Other committee members include Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo), Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa), Shehu Kaka (APC-Borno), Ipalibo Harry Banigo (PDP-Rivers), Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Rivers), Ekong Sampson (PDP-Akwa Ibom), and Aniekan Bassey (PDP-Akwa Ibom).
The Mbo Mangrove Island, which is the focal point of this investigation, is a fishing settlement located west of the Rio Del Ray estuary and serves as a critical boundary marker between Nigeria and Cameroon. Reports indicate that this island is not only rich in biodiversity but also hosts valuable oil wells and substantial gas reserves.
In his motion, Senator Bassey articulated that the territories in question were never part of the land ceded to Cameroon, emphasizing the legal basis for his claims by referencing the 1913 Anglo-Japan treaties and a ruling from the International Court of Justice delivered in October 2002. He highlighted the severe economic ramifications of the alleged encroachment, estimating that Nigeria has lost access to over 2,560 oil wells and the corresponding gas revenues that should rightfully accrue to the country.
Bassey described the situation as a “monumental and national embarrassment,” noting that foreign laws imposed by the Cameroonian government have affected Nigerians residing in 16 ancestral villages. He warned that the ongoing encroachment poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s territorial integrity, particularly as the waters around the Mbo Local Government Area, specifically the Anglo-Island waters, are reportedly under the administrative control of Cameroon. This scenario, he argued, constitutes a violation of both international law and the Nigerian Constitution.
The senator expressed concern over the continued expansion of Cameroon’s influence following Nigeria’s independence, pointing out that this illegal annexation undermines the rights of Nigerians and their economic interests. He further stated that the International Court of Justice had previously instructed both Nigeria and Cameroon to withdraw their claims over areas not entitled to them as per the 1913 Anglo-German treaties, which had resulted in Nigeria ceding over 32 villages from Adamawa to Cameroon. However, he lamented that Cameroon continues to hold onto Nigerian territories, adversely affecting local communities and the broader economy.
In response to Bassey’s motion, several senators voiced their concerns. Senator Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) emphasized the urgency of addressing the annexation, urging relevant agencies, including the National Boundary Commission, to act swiftly to protect Nigeria’s interests. Senator Victor Umeh (Labour Party-Anambra) called for immediate efforts to enforce the International Court of Justice ruling regarding the mangrove islands, asserting that Nigeria must not benefit from a judgment without taking action to uphold it. He urged the Attorney General of the Federation to seek enforcement of the court’s ruling, which had declared the mangrove islands as part of Nigeria.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim reiterated the gravity of the situation, framing the threats from Cameroon as a direct challenge to Nigeria’s sovereignty and suggesting that it should be brought to the attention of the United Nations. Other contributing lawmakers, including Senators Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi), Seriake Dickson (PDP-Bayelsa), and Asuquo Ekpoyong (APC-Cross-River), echoed these sentiments.
In conclusion, the Senate resolved to engage President Bola Tinubu on the matter, urging him to initiate diplomatic discussions regarding the illegal annexation of Nigeria’s maritime territories and mangrove islands by Cameroon. The ad-hoc committee has been tasked with reporting back its findings within two weeks, signaling a proactive approach by the Senate to address this pressing national issue.
