PANDEF Demands 50% Derivation, Urges Coastal Highway Completion, Niger Delta Cleanup

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for an increase in the derivation allocation to oil-producing states from the current minimum of 13 per cent to 50 per cent, alongside urgent environmental remediation, accelerated infrastructure development and greater economic investment across the South-South region.

The demands were contained in a communiqué issued after a joint meeting of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee held in Abuja and virtually on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah, and the National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, alongside former governors, traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders representing the six South-South states.

In the communiqué signed by Attah and Igali, the forum called for a comprehensive development agenda to address the Niger Delta’s longstanding challenges, including environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, underdeveloped seaports, limited industrialisation and the socioeconomic consequences of oil and gas exploration.

PANDEF Seeks 50% Derivation, Abolition of Onshore-Offshore Dichotomy

PANDEF urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly and the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to increase the derivation allocation from the current minimum of 13 per cent to at least 50 per cent.

According to the forum, oil-producing communities continue to bear enormous environmental, ecological, health and economic burdens arising from decades of petroleum exploration and production.

It also called for the abolition of the onshore-offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation, arguing that offshore oil and gas operations affect marine ecosystems, fishing grounds and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The forum maintained that legislative and constitutional measures were urgently required to address the issue and ensure that oil-producing communities received greater benefits from the natural resources extracted from their environment.

Niger Delta Cleanup, Ogoni Remediation

On environmental protection, PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to securing comprehensive remediation and restoration of polluted communities across the Niger Delta.

It identified Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State, Odidi in Delta State and Kula in Rivers State among the areas requiring urgent environmental attention.

The forum called for adequate, sustained and transparent funding of the Ogoni cleanup programme and urged the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive framework for extending environmental remediation to other affected communities.

It also challenged presidential candidates in the 2027 general elections to present practical, measurable and time-bound plans for environmental restoration, pollution control and sustainable development in the region.

Coastal Highway, East-West Road Top Infrastructure Demands

PANDEF welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to retain the original broad alignment of the proposed 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a distinct strategic infrastructure project.

Describing the coastal highway as a longstanding development proposal, the forum said its successful completion would improve connectivity across coastal states, stimulate trade and investment, and unlock economic opportunities in the region’s marine and blue economy.

It disclosed plans to establish a high-level technical committee to assist the Federal Ministry of Works in advancing the project, drawing on previous design work undertaken by the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission and the Niger Delta Development Commission.

However, PANDEF stressed that the coastal highway must not be developed at the expense of the East-West Road and other deteriorating federal roads across the Niger Delta.

The forum also called for an appropriate north-south rail connection linking the region with the rest of the country to facilitate transportation, trade and national economic integration.

Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar Seaports Get PANDEF’s Backing

The forum commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to modernise and upgrade the seaports in Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar.

It also welcomed approvals for proposed deep-sea ports in Ibom, Akwa Ibom State; Bonny, Rivers State; and Agge, Bayelsa State.

According to PANDEF, the strategic location of the South-South ports could strengthen Nigeria’s trade connections with East, Central and Southern Africa while improving the country’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The forum, however, urged the Federal Government to establish a sustainable financing framework for the projects comparable to arrangements supporting major port infrastructure around the Lagos corridor.

Gas Development, Modular Refineries

PANDEF called for accelerated investment in gas infrastructure, power generation and gas-based industries, noting that the Niger Delta’s vast natural gas reserves offer significant opportunities for industrialisation and economic diversification.

It identified mini-liquefied natural gas facilities, liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas hubs, petrochemicals and other value-added industries as priority areas for investment.

The forum also urged the Federal Government to renew its commitment to modular refinery development through appropriate financing, licensing, technical support and environmental compliance frameworks.

It said a properly regulated modular refining industry could reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, create employment, strengthen local enterprises and stimulate related industries across the region.

PANDEF Advocates Agricultural Transformation

Beyond oil and gas, the forum called on the Federal Government and the six South-South state governments to implement a coordinated agricultural development programme to diversify the regional economy.

It identified palm oil, rice, cassava, vegetables and horticultural products as priority areas for investment, citing the region’s favourable rainfall, water resources and ecological diversity.

PANDEF urged authorities to support farmers through improved seedlings, mechanisation, irrigation, rural roads, storage facilities, agro-processing industries, affordable financing and better market access.

It maintained that agriculture should become a central pillar of the Niger Delta’s economic diversification strategy, creating jobs and improving food security.

Proposes South-South Investment Fund

The forum also disclosed plans to explore the establishment of a regional investment fund to mobilise resources from individuals, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders for economic development across the South-South.

The proposed market-based fund would support critical sectors, improve regional connectivity, promote enterprise development and create employment opportunities.

PANDEF said it would engage private-sector stakeholders and other relevant partners to develop a practical framework for the initiative.

PANDEF Reviews Ten Years of Regional Advocacy

Reflecting on its first decade, the forum reaffirmed its position as the umbrella socio-political organisation representing the collective interests of the South-South.

It highlighted its advocacy for the establishment of the South-South Development Commission, increased regional participation in the oil and gas industry, the commencement of activities at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, and the upgrading of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron.

The forum also commended its leadership for contributions towards restoring peace in Rivers State and ongoing efforts to resolve the oil-well dispute between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, as well as improve inter-ethnic relations in Warri, Delta State.

The meeting paid tribute to PANDEF’s founding fathers and other prominent leaders who contributed to the formation and development of the organisation.

2027 Elections: South-South Leaders Urged to Prioritise Development

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, PANDEF called for peace, national cohesion, responsible governance and security.

It urged voters across the South-South to exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and elect candidates at all levels whose policies, commitments and demonstrated capacity align with the aspirations of the region.

The forum also appealed to sons and daughters of the Niger Delta occupying public offices, particularly at the federal level, to demonstrate greater commitment to PANDEF’s activities and its efforts to unite the region and advance its collective interests.

Reaffirming its commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government, state governments, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders, PANDEF stressed that the development of the Niger Delta remains inseparable from Nigeria’s overall progress.

It urged relevant authorities to translate policy commitments and announced projects into tangible benefits for the people of the region.