NIGERIA-CAMEROON ECONOMIC RELATIONS AND THE LAKE CHAD BASIN COMMISSION, 1964-2015

Abstract

The water bodies, the fertile nature, and the rich biodiversity of the Lake Chad Basin have attracted both human and animal population to the region; many of the inhabitants of this region engaged in different productive economic activities. These economic activities have in turn led to the establishment of economic relations among countries bordering the Lake Chad- an economic relation that dates back to pre-colonial era. Undoubtedly, the natural endowment and rich biodiversity of the Lake Chad Basin have been fundamental to the development of, and engagement in productive economic activities such as fishing, farming, animal husbandry, manufacturing, mining, oil exploration and exploitation, among others, by its inhabitants since pre-colonial times. In 1964, the Lake Chad Basin Commission was established to regulate, control and manage water, natural resources as well as promote regional cooperation among member states. In spite of the rich biodiversity and natural resources of the Lake Chad and the institutional arrangement put in place, the Lake Chad Basin has been plagued by political crisis, high rate of poverty, high population, high rate of illiteracy, hydrological shift, among others, thus, threatening the livelihood of millions of people that depend on its natural resources for survival. This paper seeks, therefore, to examine the factors militating against the effectiveness of the Lake Chad Basin Commission as well as the consequences of the commission’s inability to fulfill its mandates on Nigeria- Cameroon economic relations. Data was elicited through both primary and secondary sources while thematic historical analytical approach was adopted in the interpretation and analysis of the data. The study revealed that the somewhat inability of the Lake Chad Basin Commission to effectively discharge her responsibilities due to several factors, some of which have been discussed herein, has in no small measure contributed to the contraption of the Lake Chad and its attendant consequences, the evolution and development of insurgents, violent conflicts between herders and farmers in the Nigeria and Cameroon sector of the Lake Chad Basin. All of these factors have impacted Nigeria-Cameroon economic relations negatively. We recommend that the organs of the LCBC should live up to their responsibilities so as to mitigate against some of the challenges facing the LCBC.