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Abstract
Conflict has always been part of human existence, more so in these contemporary times that scarce resources influence potential for conflict between individuals on one hand, and states on the other hand. Conflict is a disagreement that ensues between two or more individuals or states over certain interests. On the other hand, conflict resolutions are those frameworks such as negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and adjudication aimed at averting or settling complex dispute. It is within these definitions that the conflict between Nigeria and Cameroon can be explained. The dispute had raged since independence but took a rather aggressive dimension when the military of both countries started face to face confrontation in the protection of what they thought belonged to their respective countries. As a result, Cameroon petitioned Nigerian to ICJ in 1994 claiming jurisdiction over the contested territory. In 2002, ICJ delivered its judgment ceding the territory to Cameroon to the anguish of many Nigerians. The study set out to examine the nature and character of conflict and conflict resolution between Nigeria and Cameroon over Bakassi Peninsula, particularly the place of oil and gas deposits as driving factors of the conflict as well as the interest of four communes (France, Germany, the US and Britain) in the whole saga. It employed qualitative method that relied on existing secondary sources such as documentary evidence, journals, articles and reported statements. It also deployed the theory of realism to uncover the place of interest in the whole dispute settlement. The findings of the study showed that oil and gas deposits were igniting factors; assembling the interest of both countries and those of the four communes. The dispute presented a fertile ground for the extension of global politics in Africa. The study, therefore recommended that Nigeria change its big brother diplomacy for more contemporary interest-driven foreign policy that would account for its interest in this fast changing world.
