Natural Resources and Border Dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon

Abstract

This paper examined the nexus between natural resources and the border
dispute between Nigeria and Cameroon. The study specifically
investigated the causes and consequences of the conflict between the
two countries on the socio-economic lives of their citizens. The paper
relied on logical evaluation of secondary data generated from the reanalysis
of existing literature. Findings from the study indicated that the
conflict issue between Nigeria and Cameroon revolves around dispute
over the control of the Bakassi peninsula as both countries laid claim to
its ownership because of its rich oil deposits and its indispensability as
the economic lifeline of the Bakkasi indigenes. The conflict over the
peninsula has imposed socio-economic hardship, especially on the
Nigerians living in the old and new Bakassi Peninsula. The border
dispute was largely managed through the adjudication of the
International Court of Justice (ICJ), which primarily favoured Cameroon,
but which has greatly de-escalated the conflict between the two countries.
The study recommended that the socio-economic lives of Nigerians
and Cameroonians, who were dislocated by the outcome of the judicial
process, should be improved upon with credible re-settlement
programme and economic empowerment while both countries should
continue to adhere to the judgement of the ICJ to enhance the sustenance
of peaceful co-existence currently being enjoyed within the Bakassi
peninsula.