Nigeria-Cameroon Diplomatic Relations: Dynamics, Challenges and Strategic Options

Abstract

The study examines Nigeria-Cameroon Diplomatic Relations: Dynamics, Challenges and Strategic Options. The Paper aimed at exploring Relations between both countries after the International Court of Justice ceded the contested oil rich Bakassi to Cameroon. The paper further examines challenges in both Countries’ diplomatic Relations and finally identified strategic options.  The study employed historical and descriptive research methods and thus relied on secondary data. With heavy reliance on secondary data supported by analytical approach, the paper discussed extensively Nigeria Cameroon diplomatic relations from Euro- African colonial era to Post ICJ’s Bakassi Judgement. The Data obtained were qualitatively analyzed.  From the analysis, the study discovered the existence of functional approach in both countries’ diplomatic relations where, after the judgement, there is consciously no political arm-twisting between them. This reflected in various bilateral cooperation and agreements entered into by both countries.  However, the study identified Boko Haram terrorism, illegal border crimes, rejection of the ICJ’s judgement by some Nigerians, the desire of both countries to safeguard their vested interests,, the suspicious disposition of Cameroon toward Nigeria as major challenges in both countries diplomatic relations. Based on these findings the study recommends amongst others regular exchange of visits by leaders of both countries,- to strengthen post ICJ’s judgement diplomatic relations, both countries encouragement of  joint border patrol to check border crimes capable of creating diplomatic breach and above all, develop  in their citizens the state of mind that encourage good neighbourliness, brotherhood and solidarity.

Keywords: Diplomatic Relations, Bilateral Agreement, ICJ’s Judgement, Colonial Treaties, Boundary Dispute.