Abstract

The Bakassi Area (Ndian Division) exhibits all aspects of the natural resource controversy. Blessed with a horde of natural resources which are supposed to serve as an engine of development, it would seem from an outside observation that this division is one of the most developed in Cameroon. Ironically, the presence of these natural resources has not, in any way been reflected in the much needed socio-economic take off of the division. Put succinctly, the division is roasting in abject poverty in the midst of plenty. As the population continues to groan because of this unwanted state of affair, it is germane to suggest that the government and other stakeholders take all necessary measures to identify this missing link between natural resource abundance and crunching poverty. This is even more crucial because concerns have already been expressed on the nursing revolutionary tendencies of the people of the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula in Ndian Division. This paper makes use of field observations, interviews of inhabitants of the Bakassi Area, and the consultation of related literature to give an appraisal of the natural resource potentials of the Bakassi Area; it examines the drivers of the persistence of this resource paradox and suggests possible escape routes from the resource curse. Identifying the root causes of such a paradox is necessary for effective policy and decision making which would be geared towards reversing the curse into a blessing. The study concludes that the poor state of development of the Bakassi Area rests largely on two main factors; they include, the failure of the authorities to give the division a fair share of her proceeds and the failure by the population to make use of other resources other than the conventional ones which they continue to groan about. This study therefore portrays such a situation and shares the view that to avoid the harnessing of a potentially violent political volcano, rigorous government intervention is needed to reverse the paradox.

Key words: Natural resources, development, Paradox, Bakassi Area.