Nigerian Government has suspended plans to cede over 10,000 hectares of Nigerian territory to Cameroon, following concerns over improper boundary demarcation.
The lawmaker representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, Mr. Victor Abang, revealed this during a constituency briefing on Wednesday at Keyang II in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.
Abang explained that the proposed cession stemmed from the 2002 International Court of Justice ruling, which mandated that the Nigeria–Cameroon boundary be defined according to the 1913 Anglo-German Treaty.
He said a joint implementation committee had attempted to demarcate the boundary without properly considering established colonial markers, including Pillar 113A, a recognized point of demarcation between the two countries.
“Failure to observe the historic boundary would have led to the loss of more than 10,000 hectares of Nigerian land, affecting communities such as Biajua and Danare in Boki,” Abang said.
The lawmaker noted that he presented a motion on the matter on July 5, 2023, which was deliberated upon by the House of Representatives. This resulted in the suspension of the cession exercise pending a comprehensive review.
During the briefing, Abang also showcased his two-year constituency scorecard, titled “The Banjuere”, highlighting achievements including a mini stadium, telecommunications masts connecting 35 communities, and medical equipment worth N300 million.
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.
Abang emphasized that the bill is expected to enhance the economic, ecological, and developmental value of the Boki forest and surrounding communities.
