By Abdulkareem Haruna

The House of Representatives’ ad hoc committee on the Nigeria-Cameroon border dispute has expressed deep concern over the potential loss of a substantial landmass and Nigerian citizens residing within it to the Cameroon Republic.

This disconcerting possibility, which follows the previous relinquishment of the Bakassi peninsula, highlights the urgent necessity for immediate action to delineate the correct border stretch between the two nations.

In 2008, Nigeria ceded the Bakassi Peninsula, a territory spanning over 1,000 square kilometers, to Cameroon in accordance with the Greentree agreement. This transfer was based on a judgment issued by the International Court of Justice in The Hague in October 2002.

Recently, ten lawmakers moved a motion on the floor of the House, raising concerns that the Danare and Biajua communities, along with approximately 7,000 to 10,000 hectares of land in the Boki area of Cross River state, are at risk of being ceded to Cameroon.

Chairperson Lar, leading the debate on the motion, emphasized that the precarious situation is a result of the non-location of pillar 113A by the technical committee of the Cameroon-Nigeria mixed commission.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation and its profound implications for Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the welfare of its citizens, the committee underscores the imperative of a prompt resolution to prevent a recurrence of history.

“The committee wishes to express its appreciation and commendation for the relentless efforts of the organizations and individuals who have worked tirelessly to ensure Nigeria is not short-changed in the border dispute,” Lar said.

In the wake of these developments, it is evident that the ad hoc committee is advocating for swift measures to safeguard Nigeria’s land and ensure the protection of its citizens in the face of the border dispute with Cameroon.