N’Delta Advocate Ozobo Urges Tinubu to Pay 13% Derivation Funds Directly to Oil Communities

By Monday Peters, Abuja

Prominent Niger Delta advocate, Senior Comrade Austin Ozobo has called on President Bola Tinubu to pay the 13% derivation funds directly to oil-producing communities in the region, rather than through state governments. Ozobo expressed concern that the current system allows for misappropriation of funds by state governors, hindering development in the communities.

The 13% derivation fund is a constitutional provision that allocates 13% of oil revenue earned from natural resources produced in a state to that state. In 2025, oil-producing states received N1.67tn as derivation allocation, with Delta State receiving the highest allocation of N85.23bn.

Ozobo argued that direct payment to communities would ensure proper development and prevent embezzlement. He also criticised the lack of transparency in the management of derivation funds, citing examples of abandoned oil communities in niger Delta despite receiving derivation funds.

The Niger Delta region, which produced the country’s oil wealth, continues to face underdevelopment, poverty, and environmental degradation. Ozobo’s call echoes the long-standing demand for greater accountability and community involvement in managing oil revenues.

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