afrol News, 15 June - The United Nations said it has not abandoned its programme resettle commitment to the people displaced by the handing over of the Bakassi Peninsula to the Cameroon by Nigeria Federal Government.

The Deputy Coordinator for Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, Mr Adei Sami Almasarweh said the UN would step up its collaborative efforts towards the resettlement of the displaced people of Bakassi.

In August 2008, Nigeria handed over the oil-rich Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon despite threats of bloodshed, bringing an end to a territorial dispute, which almost brought the two countries to war in 1981.

The official said the UN has arranged with the local authorities to get needed information concerning the displaced persons of Bakassi, further commending the Cameroon and Nigeria for their efforts at rehabilitating the displaced persons.

The majority of the local population considers itself Nigerian, but an international court ruled in favour of Cameroon in 2002. At least 100,000 people have moved from the peninsula in recent years to Nigeria.

The Bakassi peninsular, with its proximity to Niger Delta, heart of Nigeria's oil production, industry experts believe could hold significant amounts of oil deposits that would help boost Cameroon's declining production of around 90,000 barrels per day.

The Nigerian government agreed to transfer Bakassi two years ago in line with a 2002 World Court order, but sporadic gun battles, political disputes and legal battle had caused delays.

International court of Justice gave Bakassi to Cameroon in a 1913 agreement between colonial powers Britain and Germany.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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