PANDEF DEMANDS 50% DERIVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, ACCELERATED INFRASTRUCTURE FOR NIGER DELTA
South-South Leaders Renew Call for Port Development, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Gas Industrialisation, Modular Refineries and Regional Investment Fund
By PINAIBA BOLOUERE FIRSTLADY
Reporter, GlobalEgberi Media International Ltd.
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has renewed its demand for a comprehensive development agenda for the Niger Delta, calling for an increase in derivation revenue from the current minimum of 13 per cent to at least 50 per cent, urgent environmental remediation, accelerated infrastructure development, improved port facilities, greater utilisation of the region’s gas resources and stronger economic participation for oil-producing communities.
The demands formed part of the resolutions contained in a communiqué issued following a meeting of the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, held in Abuja and virtually on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The meeting brought together PANDEF Chairman of the Board of Trustees, H.E. Obong Victor Attah, National Chairman H.E. Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, members of the Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, state chairmen, former governors, former ministers, traditional rulers, political leaders, opinion leaders and other prominent stakeholders representing the six South-South states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers.
The Forum’s latest resolutions come as it reflects on its first decade of existence and seeks to reposition the South-South region around unity, environmental justice, economic diversification, infrastructure, political cooperation and sustainable development.
PANDEF REFLECTS ON TEN YEARS OF REGIONAL ADVOCACY
At the meeting, PANDEF paid tribute to the founding fathers of the organisation and the various regional bodies that preceded its formation.
The Forum recalled the efforts of organisations including the South-South People’s Assembly, South-South Concert Assembly, South-South People’s Organization, South-South Council of Elders, TROMPCON, HOSTCOM and various ethnic organisations, as well as earlier movements such as the Calabar-Ogoja Rivers Movement and the Movement for the Creation of Midwest.
PANDEF also honoured the memories of several prominent leaders and statesmen who contributed to the mobilisation and unity of the South-South region, including Chief Dr. E.K. Clark, OFR, CON; Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga; former Senate President Joseph Wayas; Chief Tony Anenih, CFR; Chief Tonye Graham Douglas; Omo N’Oba Erediauwa II, Oba of Benin; King Dandelson Douglas Jaja, CFR; Ogiame Ikenwoli, Olu of Warri; Chief T.K. Okorotie, OFR; Gen. Paul Omu; Tony Uranta; Gen. Anthony Ukpong; Brig. Gen. Osaze Idada-Ikponmwen; Col. Paul Ogbebor; Senator Inatimi Rufus-Spiff, OON; Chief A.K. Horsfall, OFR; Chief Dele Cole, CON; and Princess Jane Peters, among others.
The Forum described their contributions as part of the historical foundation that brought the South-South together under a common platform.
UNITY, PEACE AND COLLECTIVE DEVELOPMENT
PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to promoting unity, peace, stability and sustainable development throughout the South-South.
The organisation stressed that the region must remain focused on issues affecting its collective interests, particularly social development, infrastructure, economic advancement and peaceful coexistence among its diverse ethnic nationalities.
It also called for stronger collaboration between PANDEF and the six state governments, National Assembly members from the region, traditional institutions, Niger Delta development representatives, business leaders, political actors and other stakeholders.
According to the Forum, stronger regional cooperation remains essential to ensuring that the South-South speaks with a coordinated voice on issues affecting its people.
PANDEF HIGHLIGHTS ACHIEVEMENTS OF FIRST DECADE
Reviewing its activities over the past ten years, PANDEF recalled the 16-point agenda presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 1, 2016.
The organisation said its advocacy had contributed to important developments affecting the South-South, while reaffirming its role as the umbrella socio-political organisation representing the collective aspirations of the people of the region.
Among the areas highlighted were the establishment of the South-South Development Commission, increased advocacy for South-South participation in the oil and gas industry, the commencement of activities at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, the upgrading of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, and sustained advocacy for road, port and other infrastructure development.
PANDEF also cited its engagements on the operationalisation of South-South ports, local ownership of oil and gas asset security, peaceful political relations and inter-ethnic cooperation.
The Forum commended its leadership for contributing to peacebuilding efforts in Rivers State and for continuing dialogue aimed at resolving the oil-well dispute between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, as well as improving inter-ethnic relations in Warri, Delta State.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION: PANDEF DEMANDS URGENT ACTION
Environmental remediation remains one of the strongest demands contained in the communiqué.
PANDEF observed that after more than six decades of oil and gas exploration and production, communities across the Niger Delta continue to suffer from pollution, ecological degradation, destruction of livelihoods and damage to their natural environment.
The Forum specifically drew attention to environmental challenges in Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State, Odidi in Delta State and Kula in Rivers State, describing the situations as requiring urgent attention.
PANDEF called for adequate, sustained and transparent funding of the Ogoni clean-up programme and urged the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive framework for extending environmental remediation to other affected areas across the Niger Delta.
The organisation also challenged all presidential candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections to make environmental justice a central component of their programmes.
It urged presidential candidates to present practical, measurable and time-bound plans for cleaning up polluted communities, restoring damaged ecosystems and creating sustainable economic opportunities for affected populations.
SOUTH-SOUTH PORTS: PANDEF WANTS SUSTAINABLE FINANCING
The Forum welcomed moves to modernise and upgrade the ports of Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar, describing the development as important to the economic future of the region and Nigeria.
PANDEF also welcomed approvals relating to proposed deep-sea port projects, including the Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom, Bonny Deep Sea Port in Rivers State and Agge Deep Sea Port in Bayelsa State.
According to the Forum, the strategic location of South-South ports could significantly expand Nigeria’s trade opportunities with East, Central and Southern Africa.
PANDEF further argued that improved port infrastructure could strengthen Nigeria’s ability to take advantage of opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The organisation therefore called for a sustainable financing framework for South-South port projects comparable to arrangements supporting major port infrastructure around the Lagos corridor.
LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY: COMPLETION IS NON-NEGOTIABLE
PANDEF also placed renewed emphasis on the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing its successful and accelerated completion as non-negotiable.
The Forum noted the historical importance of the coastal highway, recalling that the concept predates Nigeria’s independence and has featured prominently in discussions concerning the connectivity and economic integration of coastal communities.
PANDEF said existing technical work undertaken by relevant development agencies, including the former Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), together with the expertise of professionals from the region, could assist the Federal Ministry of Works.
The Forum consequently resolved to establish a high-level technical committee to assist the Federal Ministry of Works with the project.
PANDEF also called for the accelerated rehabilitation and development of the East-West Road and other dilapidated roads across the Niger Delta.
In addition, it called for appropriate North-South rail connections to link the region with the rest of Nigeria.
The Forum said successful completion of the coastal highway would improve connectivity, stimulate trade and investment, strengthen national integration and unlock opportunities in the region’s blue and marine economy.
PANDEF DEMANDS 50% DERIVATION
Perhaps the most significant economic demand in the communiqué is PANDEF’s call for an increase in derivation revenue from the current minimum of 13 per cent to at least 50 per cent.
The Forum referenced Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which provides for the allocation of not less than 13 per cent of revenue accruing directly from natural resources to the states from which such resources are derived.
PANDEF argued that the existing arrangement has remained unchanged for more than two decades despite the enormous environmental degradation, ecological challenges, developmental deficits and social burdens associated with oil and gas production in the Niger Delta.
The Forum said a minimum 50 per cent derivation allocation would provide oil-producing states and communities with greater resources to address environmental damage, health hazards, infrastructure deficits and the broader socioeconomic consequences of petroleum production.
PANDEF SEEKS ABOLITION OF ONSHORE/OFFSHORE DICHOTOMY
The Forum also renewed its demand for the abolition of the controversial onshore/offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation.
PANDEF argued that offshore petroleum operations take place within the maritime environment and fishing grounds upon which many coastal communities depend.
According to the organisation, oil spills and other incidents associated with offshore petroleum activities can adversely affect marine ecosystems, fishing activities and the livelihoods of coastal populations, regardless of whether the oil resources are classified as onshore or offshore.
The Forum therefore called on the National Assembly, Federal Government and Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to initiate appropriate legislative and constitutional measures to end the dichotomy.
NIGER DELTA GAS RESERVES MUST DRIVE INDUSTRIALISATION
PANDEF also urged governments to accelerate the development of the region’s gas sector.
The Forum recalled that the Niger Delta possesses more than 209 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas reserves, stressing that these resources should be transformed into economic opportunities rather than remaining largely untapped.
PANDEF called for greater investment in gas infrastructure, electricity generation, mini-LNG facilities, LPG and CNG hubs, petrochemicals and other gas-based industries.
It said the development of these sectors could support industrialisation, improve electricity supply, create jobs and increase economic prosperity across the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
RENEWED SUPPORT FOR MODULAR REFINERIES
The Forum also renewed its advocacy for modular refinery development.
PANDEF recalled that modular refineries formed part of its economic discussions with the Federal Government during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
It proposed renewed attention to a Modular Refinery Development Fund capable of supporting the financing and establishment of viable modular refining facilities.
The Forum stressed that modular refineries should complement existing and planned large-scale refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, Port Harcourt Refinery, Warri Refinery, Kaduna Refinery and other private-sector projects.
PANDEF said a properly regulated modular refining industry could reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, promote local enterprise, generate employment and stimulate related industries.
It therefore called for appropriate frameworks covering financing, licensing, technical support and environmental compliance.
AGRICULTURE AS NEW ENGINE OF NIGER DELTA ECONOMY
Recognising the need to reduce the region’s dependence on oil and gas, PANDEF identified agriculture as a major pillar for economic diversification.
The Forum said the Niger Delta’s rainfall, water resources, ecological diversity and fertile environment provide significant opportunities for agricultural development.
It identified palm oil, rice, cassava, vegetables, horticultural products and other suitable crops as priority areas.
PANDEF called on the Federal Government and the six South-South states to establish coordinated agricultural development programmes focused on:
- Improved seedlings
- Mechanisation
- Irrigation and water management
- Rural roads
- Storage facilities
- Agro-processing
- Affordable agricultural financing
- Extension services
- Reliable markets for farmers
The organisation said agriculture must become a central pillar of the region’s economic diversification strategy, with the objective of transforming the Niger Delta’s natural resources into sustainable prosperity.
PANDEF CONSIDERS SOUTH-SOUTH INVESTMENT FUND
In another major development, PANDEF disclosed plans to explore the establishment of a South-South Investment Fund.
The proposed regional investment vehicle would seek to pool resources from individuals, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders within and outside the region.
PANDEF said the fund could support investment in critical sectors, strengthen regional interconnectivity, promote enterprise development, create jobs and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
The Forum said it would continue consultations with relevant stakeholders, particularly private-sector participants, towards developing a practical framework for the proposed initiative.
2027 ELECTIONS: PANDEF CALLS FOR PEACEFUL PARTICIPATION
As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections, PANDEF expressed concern about the state of the nation and stressed the importance of peace, security, national cohesion and responsible governance.
The Forum urged people of the South-South to participate peacefully in the democratic process and vote according to their conscience.
It called on voters to assess candidates based on their programmes, commitments and demonstrated capacity to deliver, particularly candidates whose policies align with the aspirations of the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
PANDEF did not endorse any particular political party or candidate in the communiqué, instead urging citizens to make informed choices based on the interests of their communities and the wider region.
PANDEF TO NIGER DELTA LEADERS IN GOVERNMENT: DO MORE FOR THE REGION
In its concluding resolutions, PANDEF issued a direct appeal to sons and daughters of the Niger Delta occupying public offices, particularly those serving at the Federal Government level.
The Forum urged them to demonstrate greater commitment to PANDEF’s activities and initiatives aimed at uniting the people and advancing the interests of the Niger Delta.
PANDEF maintained that the development of the Niger Delta cannot be separated from the development of Nigeria.
It therefore urged governments at all levels to move beyond policy declarations and ensure that announced projects and commitments translate into visible, measurable and sustainable benefits for the people.
A NEW DEVELOPMENT AGENDA FOR THE NIGER DELTA
The latest PANDEF communiqué represents a broad development agenda covering revenue allocation, environmental restoration, transportation, maritime infrastructure, oil and gas, agriculture, industrialisation, investment and democratic governance.
At the centre of the Forum’s position is the argument that the Niger Delta must receive greater economic value from the natural resources produced within the region while simultaneously moving towards a diversified and sustainable economy.
PANDEF’s demand for 50 per cent derivation, abolition of the onshore/offshore dichotomy, accelerated environmental clean-up, modernisation of regional ports, completion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, development of gas-based industries and establishment of a regional investment fund places renewed attention on long-standing development concerns in the region.
The Forum has also made clear that it intends to continue engaging the Federal Government, the six South-South state governments, traditional institutions, private-sector actors and other stakeholders in pursuit of peace, unity, security and sustainable development.
The communiqué was issued in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, and signed by H.E. Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and H.E. Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman of PANDEF.
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By PINAIBA BOLOUERE FIRSTLADY
Reporter, GlobalEgberi Media International Ltd.
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