FG Halts Planned Cession of 10,000 Hectares of Nigerian Land to Cameroon
By Missang Akpet
The Federal Government has halted plans that could have led to the cession of over 10,000 hectares of Nigerian land to Cameroon, following intervention by the House of Representatives.
The development was disclosed by Hon. Victor Abang, member representing Ikom Boki Federal Constituency of Cross River State, during a town hall meeting and constituency briefing held in Keyang 2, Boki Local Government Area.
Abang explained that the proposed land handover was linked to the 2002 ruling of the International Court of Justice, which directed Nigeria and Cameroon to define their boundary in accordance with the Anglo German Treaty of 1913. He said a joint committee was subsequently established to implement the ruling.
According to the lawmaker, the committee attempted to demarcate the boundary without adequate reference to existing colonial boundary features. He noted that the exercise ignored Pillar 113A, a recognized colonial boundary marker separating Nigeria from Cameroon.
He warned that allowing the process to continue would have resulted in the loss of more than 10,000 hectares of Nigerian territory, including parts of Biajua and Danare communities in Cross River State.
“In view of this, I presented a motion on July 5, 2023, which was promptly deliberated upon by the House. As a result, the exercise has been halted pending a comprehensive review of the entire process,” Abang said.
The lawmaker also presented a compendium of his legislative activities over the past two years, titled The Banjuere, to his constituents. The document highlights several constituency projects, including the construction of a mini stadium, installation of telecommunication masts connecting 35 communities, and the provision of medical equipment valued at over N300 million to the Primary Health Centre in Abo Ebam.
He further disclosed that he sponsored the National Park Service Amendment Bill, aimed at strengthening environmental conservation and establishing the Okwangwo National Park Unit as an independent entity to enhance economic development and preserve the Boki forest.
Abang reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria and ensuring that the interests of communities within his constituency are safeguarded through legislative action.
