By Naomi Sharang
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for an increase in derivation allocation to oil-producing states from 13 per cent to 50 per cent to address regional environmental and developmental challenges.

The forum also urged the Federal Government to accelerate seaport development, complete the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and expand environmental remediation across oil-producing communities affected by decades of exploration activities.

These demands are contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee held in Abuja on Tuesday.

The communiqué was read by PANDEF’s National Chairman, Godknows Igali, at the meeting attended by Board of Trustees Chairman and former Akwa Ibom Governor, Obong Victor Attah, alongside other regional stakeholders.

The meeting reviewed PANDEF’s first decade of activities, paying tribute to its founding fathers for bringing together various organisations across the Niger Delta and advancing the region’s collective interests.

The forum said its advocacy efforts had contributed to the establishment of the South-South Development Commission, describing regional development and coordinated representation as important priorities.

Igali said the minimum 13 per cent derivation allocation provided under Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution had remained unchanged for over two decades inspite of environmental and developmental burdens.

PANDEF called on the Federal Government, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and National Assembly to address the issue and abolish the onshore-offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation.

The forum argued that offshore oil exploration also affected coastal communities through oil spills, marine ecosystem damage and disruptions to fishing activities, threatening livelihoods and local economic sustainability.

On environmental remediation, PANDEF expressed concern that communities across the Niger Delta continued to suffer pollution and ecosystem degradation after more than six decades of oil and gas exploration.

It identified Nembe Creek in Bayelsa, Odidi in Delta and Kula in Rivers as areas requiring urgent environmental intervention to address pollution and restore affected ecosystems.

The forum called for adequate, sustained and transparent funding of the Ogoni clean-up programme, urging the Federal Government to establish a framework for extending remediation to other affected communities.

It also urged presidential candidates of political parties to present practical, measurable and time-bound plans for environmental clean-up, ecological restoration and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.

On infrastructure, PANDEF welcomed plans to modernise the ports of Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar, alongside proposed deep-sea port projects in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa states.

It said the projects could strengthen trade with East, Central and Southern Africa while improving Nigeria’s access to opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

PANDEF described completion of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as non-negotiable, citing its potential to improve connectivity, attract investment and unlock the region’s blue and marine economy.

The forum said a high-level technical committee would be established to assist the Federal Ministry of Works with the project, drawing on previous designs and expertise from regional professionals.

It further called for appropriate north-south rail connections to link the Niger Delta with other parts of Nigeria, improve transportation and strengthen access to national markets.

On economic diversification, PANDEF urged federal and state governments to prioritise natural gas development, modular refineries and agricultural value chains to expand economic opportunities and promote sustainable growth.(NAN)
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Edited by Sadiya Hamza