By Onome Edegware, Abuja
The Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has demanded an increase in oil derivation from the current 13 per cent to 50 per cent and called on the National Assembly to abolish the onshore/offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation.
The forum, which also demanded accelerated completion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, renewed investment in gas infrastructure and revival of modular refineries, said the economic potential of the Niger Delta must be fully harnessed.
The demands were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting of its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee held in Abuja on Tuesday, to mark its 10th anniversary.
On derivation, PANDEF said the 13 per cent allocation had remained unchanged for over two decades despite the enormous environmental and developmental burdens borne by oil communities.
“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,” it said.
It therefore called for an increase “from the current minimum of 13% to a minimum of 50%” to enable oil-producing states and communities to address developmental deficits, environmental damage and health hazards linked to oil exploration.
The forum also urged the Federal Government, the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, and the National Assembly to urgently abolish the onshore/offshore dichotomy.
It argued that offshore operations also affect coastal communities through damage to marine ecosystems and fishing activities.
“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,” it said.
On infrastructure, PANDEF said the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was non-negotiable and must be completed without delay.
“PANDEF demands that the accelerated, successful completion of the highway is non-negotiable,” it said, noting 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.”
It welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to retain the original alignment of the highway as a distinct project, and resolved to set up a high-level technical committee to support the Federal Ministry of Works, drawing on previous designs by OMPADEC and NDDC.
The forum also called for rehabilitation of dilapidated roads in the region and a north-south rail line to link the Niger Delta to other parts of the country.
On gas, PANDEF said with over 209 trillion standard cubic feet of reserves, the Niger Delta could make Nigeria a global gas hub if properly invested in.
“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 said.
It urged development of gas infrastructure and gas-based industries, including power plants, mini-LNG plants, LPG and CNG hubs, and petrochemicals, with participation of federal, state and private investors.
The forum also called for revival of modular refineries, saying a dedicated Modular Refinery Development Fund earlier proposed under former President Muhammadu Buhari should be revisited.
“A well-regulated modular refining industry could reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, support local enterprise, generate employment, and stimulate ancillary industries throughout the Niger Delta and nationally,” it said.
PANDEF demanded sustained funding for environmental remediation, particularly the Ogoni clean-up, and extension to other polluted sites including Nembe Creek in Bayelsa, Odidi in Delta and Kula in Rivers.
“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 group also urged 2027 presidential candidates to commit to environmental justice with measurable, time-bound restoration plans.
On maritime infrastructure, it welcomed plans to modernise Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar ports and approvals for deep-sea ports in Ibom, Bonny and Agge, calling for a sustainable financing framework similar to that of Lagos ports.
It proposed a South-South Investment Fund to mobilise capital for critical sectors and job creation.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to peace and development across Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers States, commended its leadership for efforts in restoring peace in Rivers and resolving inter-state and inter-ethnic disputes, and urged South-South voters to support candidates whose programmes align with the region’s aspirations in the 2027 elections.
