PANDEF Advocates For 50% Derivation, Abolition of Onshore/Offshore Dichotomy, Review Achievements

By Monday Peters, Abuja

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has demanded an increase in derivation allocation from 13% to 50% and the abolition of the onshore/offshore dichotomy in revenue sharing.

The demand was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting of the Board of Trustees and the National Executive Committee held in Abuja and virtually on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.

The meeting was chaired by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, H.E. Obong Victor Attah and the National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, OON. It was attended by former Governors, former Ministers, first-class traditional rulers, political leaders and stakeholders from the six South-South states – Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers.

PANDEF said Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution which provides for not less than 13% derivation has remained unchanged for over two decades despite enormous environmental degradation borne by oil-producing communities.

The Forum therefore called on the Federal Government, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Assembly to urgently initiate legislative and constitutional measures to abolish the dichotomy, noting that offshore oil spills also destroy fishing grounds and livelihoods of coastal communities.

PANDEF also paid tribute to its founding fathers and organizations that merged 10 years ago to form the PANDEF, including South-South People’s Assembly, TROMPCON, HOSTCOM and other ethnic organizations – a continuation of the COR Movement and Midwest creation movement of the First Republic.

Special honour was paid to late leaders including Chief Dr. E.K. Clark, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, Senate President Joseph Wayas, Chief Tony Anenih, Chief Tonye Graham-Douglas, Omo N’Oba Erediauwa II, King Dandelson Douglas Jaja, Ogiame Ikenwoli, and 11 other eminent leaders.

PANDEF has reviewed its activities in the last ten years, including implementation of its 16-point agenda presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 1, 2016.

The Forum listed notable achievements to include:

1. Establishment of the South-South Development Commission
2. Advocacy for greater South-South participation in the oil and gas industry
3. Commencement of Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko and upgrading of Maritime Academy, Oron
4. Sustained demands for roads and ports development
5. Engagement with FG on operationalization of South-South ports
6. Engagement on local ownership of security of oil and gas assets
7. Promotion of peaceful coexistence among South-South states

The meeting commended PANDEF’s leadership for restoring peace in Rivers State and its efforts to resolve the oil wells dispute between Akwa Ibom and Cross River, and to improve inter-ethnic relations in Warri, Delta State.

The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to unity, peace and sustainable development of the region and called for sustained collaboration with six State Governors, National Assembly members, traditional rulers and business community.

On environment, PANDEF said after over six decades of oil exploration, communities still bear consequences of degradation. It cited urgent cases in Nembe Creek in Bayelsa, Odidi in Delta and Kula in Rivers needing attention.

It called for adequate, sustained and transparent funding of the Ogoni clean-up and a comprehensive framework to replicate remediation across Niger Delta. It also urged all Presidential candidates to present practical, measurable and time-bound plans for environmental justice.

On ports, the Forum commended the President’s decision to modernise Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar ports and welcomed approvals for Ibom Deep Sea Port, Bonny Deep Sea Port and Agge Deep Sea Port.

It said the ports could strengthen trade links with East, Central and Southern Africa and help Nigeria benefit from AfCFTA, and urged a sustainable financing framework comparable to Lagos corridor.

On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, PANDEF noted FG’s decision to retain the original 750km alignment as a distinct legacy project, after reported reconsideration to integrate it into East-West Road. It said the highway predates independence and that OMPADEC and NDDC had done design work that could assist the Ministry of Works.

It announced setting up a high-level technical committee to assist the Ministry of Works, and called for North-South rail connection to link the region.

PANDEF said accelerated completion of the highway is non-negotiable as it will boost connectivity, trade and unlock Blue Economy opportunities.

PANDEF recalled its 2016-2017 engagement with FG on gas development, noting Niger Delta holds over 209 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves.

It called for accelerated development of gas infrastructure – power generation, mini-LNG, LPG and CNG hubs, petrochemicals – through public-private investment to drive industrialisation and jobs.

On modular refineries, the Forum recalled it was part of discussions with the Buhari administration with a proposed Modular Refinery Development Fund. It said modular refineries would complement Dangote Refinery, Port Harcourt, Warri, Kaduna and other private refineries, reduce import dependence, create employment and stimulate ancillary industries. It urged FG to prioritise financing, licensing and environmental compliance framework.

On agriculture, PANDEF said agriculture is key to diversifying Niger Delta economy, citing rainfall, water resources and ecological diversity. It identified palm oil, rice, cassava, vegetables and horticulture as priority value chains.

It called on Federal and six State Governments to implement coordinated programmes on improved seedlings, mechanisation, irrigation, rural roads, storage, agro-processing, affordable financing and markets.

On investment, the Forum disclosed plans to explore the establishment of a South-South Investment Fund – a market-based fund pooling resources from individuals, businesses and institutions to support critical sectors, interconnectivity and job creation.

In the state of the nation and 2027 general elections, PANDEF expressed concern over peace, security and national cohesion.

It called on South-South people to exercise civic responsibilities peacefully and vote according to conscience, choosing candidates whose programmes align with aspirations of the region.

The Forum called on sons and daughters of Niger Delta holding public office, especially at Federal level, to show more commitment to PANDEF activities focused on uniting the people and advancing Niger Delta cause.

It reaffirmed that development of Niger Delta is inseparable from development of Nigeria and urged authorities to translate policy commitments into tangible outcomes.