KANO, Nigeria 

Nigeria said Thursday that it is committed to the finalization of a boundary demarcation exercise with Cameroon.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, made this known while receiving the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in West Africa and the Sahel, Annadif Khatir Mahamat Saleh, who paid him a courtesy call Thursday at his Abuja office.

“I wish to assure you that the Nigerian delegation is confident that under your leadership, the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC) will continue to achieve more success in its efforts to permanently demarcate the boundary between Cameroon and Nigeria in line with the judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and other relevant treaties and declarations,” Malami said.

He said it would be appreciated if all aspects of the disputed areas of the boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon are resolved and demarcated in accordance with the judgment of the ICJ without fear or favor.

Malami said the proposed session of the CNMC that will be convened soon in Cameroon's capital Yaounde will pave the way for landmark achievements, including the demarcation exercise.

He expressed optimism that the steps taken in resolving the outstanding areas of disagreement on the boundary between Cameroon and Nigeria will be fully and legally demarcated in the distant future.

In his remarks, Saleh said his visit has opened an outstanding chapter in international relations and diplomacy with a view to promoting peace among brotherly nations.

He said the engagement is proof that African problems can be resolved using African solutions by Africans, emphasizing the cordiality of the relationship and mutual understanding between the two neighboring countries.

Following a 15-year dispute, the Bakassi Peninsula was transferred from Nigerian control to that of Cameroon, but the handover process has been dogged by threats of attacks by an armed group opposed to the transfer.

Two years ago, the Nigerian government agreed to transfer Bakassi in line with a 2002 ICJ ruling which said the area belonged to Cameroon.

However, most residents of the peninsula -- predominantly Nigerian fishermen and their families -- oppose the transfer of sovereignty over the 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) of land.