By PINAIBA BOLOUERE FIRSTLADY<\/strong> ABUJA, NIGERIA<\/strong> \u2014 The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the umbrella socio-political organisation representing the collective interests and aspirations of the South-South geopolitical zone, has demanded an increase in the derivation allocation for oil-producing states from the current minimum of 13 per cent to at least 50 per cent.<\/p>\n The demand formed part of the resolutions contained in a communiqu\u00e9 issued at the end of PANDEF\u2019s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja and virtually on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.<\/p>\n The meeting brought together prominent political leaders, former governors, former ministers, traditional rulers, members of the National Executive Committee, state chairmen and other stakeholders representing Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers States.<\/p>\n The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, His Excellency, Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah, alongside the National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON.<\/p>\n One of the most significant resolutions was PANDEF\u2019s renewed demand for an increase in the derivation allocation from the existing minimum of 13 per cent to 50 per cent.<\/p>\n According to the Forum, oil-producing communities and states have continued to bear enormous environmental, economic, health and developmental consequences arising from decades of oil and gas exploration without receiving sufficient financial benefits to address the challenges.<\/p>\n PANDEF argued that the existing derivation arrangement has remained unchanged for more than two decades despite growing environmental degradation and infrastructural deficits confronting oil-producing communities.<\/p>\n The Forum therefore called on the Federal Government, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), and the National Assembly to urgently reconsider the existing revenue-sharing framework.<\/p>\n It also renewed its demand for the abolition of the onshore\/offshore dichotomy, maintaining that offshore petroleum activities equally affect coastal communities through oil spills, marine pollution, destruction of fishing grounds and disruption of traditional livelihoods.<\/p>\n PANDEF expressed serious concern over persistent environmental degradation across the Niger Delta after more than six decades of oil and gas exploration and production.<\/p>\n The Forum specifically identified Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State, Odidi in Delta State and Kula in Rivers State as areas requiring urgent environmental attention.<\/p>\n It called for adequate, sustained and transparent funding of the Ogoni clean-up programme and urged the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive framework for extending environmental remediation and restoration to other affected communities across the Niger Delta.<\/p>\n The organisation also challenged presidential candidates of the various political parties to demonstrate genuine commitment to environmental justice by presenting practical, measurable and time-bound plans for cleaning up polluted communities and restoring damaged ecosystems.<\/p>\n The meeting welcomed the Federal Government\u2019s decision to retain the original broad alignment of the 750-kilometre Lagos\u2013Calabar Coastal Highway as a distinct strategic infrastructure project.<\/p>\n PANDEF recalled that the proposed coastal highway had a long historical background and had featured prominently in discussions concerning connectivity and economic integration of coastal communities in the Niger Delta.<\/p>\n The Forum also noted that previous design and technical work undertaken by OMPADEC and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alongside contributions from relevant professionals in the region, could assist the Federal Ministry of Works in advancing the project.<\/p>\n Consequently, PANDEF resolved to establish a high-level technical committee to assist the Federal Ministry of Works with the project.<\/p>\n The organisation insisted that the accelerated and successful completion of the highway was non-negotiable, stressing that the project would improve transportation, stimulate trade and investment, strengthen national integration and unlock the economic potential of the Niger Delta\u2019s blue and marine resources.<\/p>\n It further called for the establishment of an appropriate North-South rail connection to link the region with other parts of Nigeria.<\/p>\n PANDEF commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu\u2019s decision to modernise and upgrade the ports of Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar.<\/p>\n The Forum also welcomed approvals for proposed deep-sea port projects, including:<\/p>\n According to PANDEF, the strategic geographical location of these ports could strengthen Nigeria\u2019s trade connections with East, Central and Southern Africa while improving access to international maritime markets.<\/p>\n The organisation urged the Federal Government to establish a sustainable financing framework for South-South port projects, comparable to arrangements supporting major port infrastructure around the Lagos corridor.<\/p>\n It maintained that effective development of the ports would create employment, attract investments, expand commercial activities and strengthen the region\u2019s contribution to the national economy.<\/p>\n The Forum also emphasised the enormous economic opportunities available in the Niger Delta\u2019s natural gas resources, noting that the region holds more than 209 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas reserves.<\/p>\n PANDEF called on federal and state governments to prioritise investment in gas infrastructure and gas-based industries, including electricity generation, mini-LNG facilities, LPG and CNG hubs, petrochemicals and other value-added industries.<\/p>\n It argued that developing the region\u2019s gas resources would accelerate industrialisation, improve electricity supply, create employment and expand economic opportunities across the Niger Delta and Nigeria.<\/p>\n PANDEF called on the Federal Government to revive its commitment to modular refinery development as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria\u2019s domestic petroleum refining capacity.<\/p>\n The Forum recalled earlier engagements with the Federal Government on the establishment of a dedicated Modular Refinery Development Fund to mobilise financing for viable refining projects.<\/p>\n It maintained that properly regulated modular refineries could complement existing and proposed large-scale refining facilities, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, encourage local enterprise and generate employment.<\/p>\n The organisation therefore advocated an appropriate framework covering financing, licensing, technical support and environmental compliance.<\/p>\n Beyond oil and gas, PANDEF identified agriculture as a major opportunity for diversifying the Niger Delta economy and reducing dependence on petroleum revenue.<\/p>\n The Forum highlighted palm oil, rice, cassava, vegetables, horticultural products and other crops suitable for the region\u2019s ecological conditions as priority areas for investment.<\/p>\n It called for coordinated agricultural development programmes across the six South-South states, with emphasis on improved seedlings, mechanisation, irrigation, rural roads, storage facilities, agro-processing industries, affordable financing and reliable markets.<\/p>\n PANDEF maintained that agricultural investment could transform the region\u2019s natural resources into sustainable prosperity while strengthening Nigeria\u2019s food security.<\/p>\n Another major development from the meeting was the Forum\u2019s intention to explore the establishment of a regional investment fund.<\/p>\n The proposed market-based investment initiative would pool resources from individuals, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders within and outside the South-South region.<\/p>\n The fund is expected to support critical economic sectors, encourage enterprise development, improve regional connectivity, create employment and promote sustainable economic growth.<\/p>\n PANDEF resolved to continue consultations with relevant stakeholders, particularly private-sector operators, to develop a practical framework for the initiative.<\/p>\n The meeting also reviewed PANDEF\u2019s activities and achievements during its first decade, including its advocacy around the 16-point agenda presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 1, 2016.<\/p>\n Among the achievements highlighted were the establishment of the South-South Development Commission, continued advocacy for greater participation of the region in the oil and gas industry, commencement of activities at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, and the upgrading of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.<\/p>\n The Forum also highlighted its sustained engagement on infrastructure development, port operations, local participation in the protection of oil and gas assets, regional peace and improved inter-ethnic relations.<\/p>\n PANDEF commended its leadership for contributions towards restoring peace in Rivers State and acknowledged ongoing efforts to facilitate the resolution of the oil-well dispute between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.<\/p>\n The organisation also recognised its engagement towards improving inter-ethnic relations in Warri, Delta State.<\/p>\n The meeting paid special tribute to the founding fathers and distinguished leaders whose contributions led to the establishment of PANDEF ten years ago.<\/p>\n Among those honoured were Chief Dr. E.K. Clark, OFR, CON; former Akwa Ibom Governor, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga; former Senate President Joseph Wayas; Chief Tony Anenih; Chief Tonye Graham-Douglas; and several traditional rulers, military officers, political leaders and regional advocates who contributed to the formation and development of the organisation.<\/p>\n PANDEF reaffirmed the importance of preserving the legacy of regional cooperation established by earlier South-South movements and organisations.<\/p>\n As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, PANDEF expressed concern over the state of the nation and emphasised the need for peace, security, national cohesion and responsible governance.<\/p>\n The Forum urged people of the South-South to participate peacefully in the electoral process and vote according to their conscience.<\/p>\n It encouraged voters to support candidates at all levels whose programmes, commitments and demonstrated capacity align with the aspirations of the region and can contribute meaningfully to the peace, progress and development of the Niger Delta.<\/p>\n In its concluding resolutions, the Forum called on sons and daughters of the Niger Delta occupying public offices, particularly at the Federal Government level, to demonstrate greater commitment and interest in PANDEF\u2019s activities.<\/p>\n It stressed that the organisation\u2019s central objective remained the promotion of regional unity, constructive engagement and the advancement of the collective interests of the Niger Delta people.<\/p>\n The Forum reiterated its readiness to work with the Federal Government, the six state governments, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to achieve sustainable development.<\/p>\n The resolutions emerging from the October 27 meeting represent a renewed statement of regional demands covering resource allocation, environmental restoration, transportation infrastructure, maritime development, industrialisation, agriculture and political participation.<\/p>\n For the Niger Delta, the central challenge now is translating these demands and policy recommendations into measurable improvements in the lives of ordinary people.<\/p>\n The demand for 50 per cent derivation, the abolition of the onshore\/offshore dichotomy, accelerated completion of the Lagos\u2013Calabar Coastal Highway and comprehensive environmental remediation will require sustained advocacy, legislative action and meaningful cooperation between federal and state authorities.<\/p>\n PANDEF concluded that the development of the Niger Delta is inseparable from the development of Nigeria, urging relevant authorities to move beyond policy announcements and ensure that promised projects and commitments produce tangible results.<\/p>\n The communiqu\u00e9 was issued in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, and signed by:<\/strong><\/p>\n H.E. Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah<\/strong> H.E. Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON<\/strong> GLOBAL EGBERI MEDIA INTERNATIONAL LTD<\/strong> PANDEF DEMANDS 50% DERIVATION, CALLS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE, MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGER DELTA South-South Leaders Reaffirm Regional<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2742,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nReporter, GlobalEgberi Media International Ltd.<\/em><\/p>\nPANDEF Seeks 50% Derivation Allocation<\/h4>\n
Environmental Pollution: PANDEF Demands Urgent Intervention<\/h4>\n
Lagos\u2013Calabar Coastal Highway: Completion Described as Non-Negotiable<\/h4>\n
South-South Ports Receive Renewed Attention<\/h4>\n
\n
Gas Development, Industrialisation and Electricity Generation<\/h4>\n
Renewed Push for Modular Refineries<\/h4>\n
Agriculture Identified as Key to Economic Diversification<\/h4>\n
PANDEF Considers Establishment of South-South Investment Fund<\/h4>\n
PANDEF Reviews Ten Years of Regional Advocacy<\/h4>\n
Tributes to PANDEF Founding Fathers<\/h4>\n
2027 Elections: PANDEF Calls for Peaceful Participation<\/h4>\n
PANDEF Calls for Greater Commitment from Niger Delta Leaders<\/h4>\n
A Defining Moment for the Niger Delta<\/h4>\n
\nChairman, Board of Trustees, PANDEF.<\/p>\n
\nNational Chairman, PANDEF.<\/p>\n
\nNews \u2022 Entertainment \u2022 Community \u2022 Updates<\/em>
\nBringing You The News That Matters<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"