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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has demanded an increase in oil derivation revenue from the current constitutional minimum of 13 per cent to 50 per cent, challenging the National Assembly to abolish the onshore/offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation to oil-producing states.
The forum said the current derivation arrangement had failed to reflect the environmental degradation, economic losses and developmental challenges suffered by oil-producing communities over decades of petroleum exploration and exploitation.
PANDEF, which marked its 10th anniversary, made the demands in a communiqué issued at the end of a joint meeting of its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee in Abuja on Tuesday.
“The meeting observed that this provision has remained unchanged for over two decades, notwithstanding the enormous environmental degradation, ecological challenges, and developmental burdens borne by oil-producing communities across the Niger Delta,” the communiqué stated.
The forum consequently demanded an increase in the derivation allocation “from the current minimum of 13% to a minimum of 50%” to enable oil-producing states and communities to address infrastructural deficits, environmental damage, health hazards and the social and economic consequences of petroleum exploration.
It also urged the Federal Government, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and National Assembly to urgently address the onshore/offshore dichotomy, arguing that offshore petroleum operations had consequences for coastal populations irrespective of the location of the resources being exploited.
“Consequently, oil spills and other incidents arising from offshore petroleum activities can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems, fishing activities, and the economic well-being of coastal populations, irrespective of whether the affected resources are located onshore or offshore,” the forum said.
Beyond revenue allocation, PANDEF declared that the accelerated completion of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was non-negotiable, describing the project as critical to connectivity, economic integration and investment across the coastal states.
“PANDEF demands that the accelerated, successful completion of the highway is non-negotiable,” the communiqué stated, adding that the project would “boost connectivity across the coastal states, stimulate trade and investment, strengthen national integration, and unlock economic opportunities especially of the Blue and Marine resources throughout the Niger Delta and the wider Nigerian economy.”
The forum welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to retain the highway’s original broad alignment as a distinct strategic infrastructure project, following the reported reconsideration of an earlier proposal to integrate it into the East-West Road.
It also resolved to establish a high-level technical committee to support the Federal Ministry of Works in advancing the project, drawing on previous design work by the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and professionals from the region.
PANDEF further demanded the rehabilitation of dilapidated roads across the Niger Delta and the establishment of an appropriate north-south rail connection to improve transportation and commercial activities.
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On gas development, the forum urged the Federal and state governments to prioritise investment in gas infrastructure and gas-based industries, noting that the Niger Delta possessed more than 209 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas reserves.
“Noting that the Niger Delta holds over 209 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas reserves, the meeting stressed the need for the Federal and State Governments to prioritise investment in the sector as a catalyst for national economic growth and regional development,” it stated.
It specifically advocated investment in power generation, mini-liquefied natural gas plants, liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas hubs, petrochemicals and other value-added industries, stressing that the responsibility should be shared by governments and private investors.
The forum maintained that harnessing the resources would “promote industrialisation, improve electricity supply, create employment and enhance economic prosperity in the Niger Delta, indeed Nigeria as a whole.”
PANDEF also called for the revival of the modular refinery initiative, recalling proposals discussed with the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, including the establishment of a dedicated Modular Refinery Development Fund.
It argued that a properly regulated modular refining industry could complement existing large-scale facilities, including the Dangote Refinery and government-owned refineries, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and stimulate employment and local enterprise.
On environmental remediation, the forum demanded adequate, sustained and transparent funding for the Ogoni clean-up programme and its extension to other polluted communities, including Nembe Creek in Bayelsa, Odidi in Delta and Kula in Rivers State.
“PANDEF therefore calls for adequate, sustained, and transparent funding of the Ogoni clean-up programme and urges the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive framework for replicating the remediation process across the wider Niger Delta,” it said.
The forum also welcomed plans to modernise the ports of Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar, alongside approvals for proposed deep-sea ports in Ibom, Akwa Ibom State; Bonny, Rivers State; and Agge, Bayelsa State, while demanding sustainable financing arrangements.
It proposed a South-South investment fund to mobilise resources from individuals, businesses and institutions for critical infrastructure, enterprise development and job creation.
The meeting reaffirmed PANDEF’s commitment to peace and sustainable development across the six South-South states, commending its leadership for interventions in the Rivers State political crisis and efforts to address the oil-well dispute between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the forum urged voters in the region to assess candidates on their programmes and commitment to environmental justice, infrastructure and economic development, insisting that Niger Delta indigenes holding public office must demonstrate greater responsibility towards the region.
