The Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, has called for an urgent upward review of the derivation allocation to oil-producing states from the current minimum of 13 percent to at least 50 percent, and demanded the immediate abolition of the onshore/offshore dichotomy in revenue sharing.
The apex socio-political body of the South-South geopolitical zone made the demands in a comprehensive communiqué issued at the end of a crucial meeting of its Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee held in Abuja and virtually on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The meeting, which brought together the highest leadership of the organisation, was chaired by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Obong Victor Attah, alongside the National Chairman, Ambassador Dr Godknows Igali, OON, with other members of the Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee members and state chairmen in attendance.
According to the communiqué jointly signed by Obong Attah and Dr Igali, the gathering drew together an array of eminent stakeholders from the six states of the South-South, including former governors, former ministers, first-class traditional rulers, political leaders, opinion leaders and business moguls.
The meeting, at its commencement, paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of PANDEF who, ten years ago, collapsed various regional organisations such as the South-South People’s Assembly, South-South Concert Assembly, South-South People’s Organisation, South-South Council of Elders, TROMPCON, HOSTCOM and other ethnic bodies under a single umbrella.
It noted that the formation of PANDEF was a continuation of the historic struggles of the people of the region dating back to the Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers, COR Movement and the Movement for the Creation of Midwest Region in the First Republic, which were aimed at ensuring unity and development.
The forum also paid special honour to the memory of its departed leaders and icons, including its erstwhile leader, Chief Dr Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, pioneer National Chairman, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, former Senate President, Dr Joseph Wayas, Chief Tony Anenih, Chief Tonye Graham-Douglas and others.
Others honoured include His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba Erediauwa II, Oba of Benin, King Dandelson Douglas Jaja, Amanyanabo of Opobo, Ogiame Ikenwoli, Olu of Warri, Chief T.K. Okorotie, General Paul Omu, Comrade Tony Uranta, Gen Anthony Ukpong, Brig Gen Osaze Idada-Ikponmwen, Col Paul Ogbebor, Senator Inatimi Rufus-Spiff, Chief A.K. Horsfall, Chief Dele Cole and Princess Jane Peters.
On the unity, peace and development of the South-South, the meeting reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the people of the region to unity, stability and sustainable development, stressing the need to remain focused on collective interests such as social development, infrastructural renewal and economic advancement.
It underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between PANDEF and all layers of leadership in the region, particularly the six state governors, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, representatives in the Niger Delta institutions, the business community and political stakeholders.
Reviewing PANDEF’s achievements in the last ten years, the meeting recalled that the forum’s 16-point agenda was adopted and presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 1, 2016, and has since formed the basis of its engagement with the Federal Government.
The meeting noted that significant progress has been made in advancing the interests of the South-South and reaffirmed PANDEF’s position as the umbrella body representing the collective aspirations of the people, acknowledging its role in advocacy, civic engagement and constructive dialogue.
Among the notable achievements listed were the establishment of the South-South Development Commission, sustained advocacy for greater participation of the region in the oil and gas industry, and the commencement of activities at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State.
Other achievements include the upgrading of the Maritime Academy, Oron in Akwa Ibom State, sustained demands for accelerated infrastructural development especially roads and ports, engagement with the Federal Government on operationalisation of South-South ports and advocacy for local ownership of oil and gas assets security.
The forum also cited its continued efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence within and among states of the South-South, particularly in political and inter-ethnic relations, as a major achievement in the last decade of its existence.
In this regard, the meeting commended PANDEF’s leadership for its contributions towards restoring peace in Rivers State and acknowledged its ongoing engagement to resolve the dispute over oil wells between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States and improve inter-ethnic relations in Warri.
On environmental remediation, the communiqué reaffirmed that environmental protection and remediation will continue to remain at the forefront of PANDEF’s advocacy, noting that after over six decades of oil exploration, communities still bear the consequences of degradation and pollution.
It drew attention to the ongoing environmental crises in Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State, Odidi in Delta State and Kula in Rivers State, which require urgent intervention, and called for adequate, sustained and transparent funding of the Ogoni clean-up programme.
PANDEF therefore urged the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive framework for replicating the remediation process across the wider Niger Delta and challenged all Presidential candidates for the 2027 elections to present practical, measurable and time-bound plans for clean-up and restoration.
On seaport development, the meeting commended President Bola Tinubu for his decision to modernise and upgrade the ports of Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar, and welcomed approvals for deep sea port projects including Ibom Deep Sea Port, Bonny Deep Sea Port and Agge Deep Sea Port.
It observed that the strategic location of the region’s ports could strengthen trade links with East, Central and Southern Africa, facilitate access to the Indian Ocean and enable Nigeria to benefit more fully from the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA.
Consequently, PANDEF urged the Federal Government to establish a sustainable financing framework for South-South port projects comparable to arrangements adopted for major port infrastructure around the Lagos corridor to ensure equity and balanced development.
On the 750 kilometres Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the meeting noted the Federal Government’s decision to retain the original broad alignment as a distinct legacy strategic infrastructure project after reconsideration of an earlier proposal to integrate it into the East-West Road.
It recalled that the Coastal Highway has a long historical background predating independence and has featured prominently in national discussions about development and economic integration of Niger Delta coastal communities, with design works previously undertaken by OMPADEC and NDDC.
The forum therefore resolved to set up a high-level technical committee to assist the Federal Ministry of Works in advancing the project alongside the East-West Road and other dilapidated roads, while also calling for a North-South rail connection to link the region with the rest of the country.
PANDEF declared that the accelerated and successful completion of the highway is non-negotiable as it will boost connectivity, stimulate trade and investment, strengthen national integration and unlock economic opportunities of the Blue and Marine resources throughout the Niger Delta.
On derivation, the meeting noted that Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution provides for not less than 13 percent allocation to resource-producing states, a provision unchanged for over two decades despite enormous environmental and developmental burdens borne by oil communities.
PANDEF therefore demanded an increase to a minimum of 50 percent to enable oil-producing communities to address longstanding deficits, environmental damage, health hazards and socio-economic consequences of oil exploration, and called on RMAFC and National Assembly to abolish the onshore/offshore dichotomy.
It argued that offshore operations take place within maritime environment and fishing grounds upon which coastal communities depend, and oil spills from offshore activities devastate marine ecosystems and livelihoods irrespective of onshore or offshore location.
On gas development, the forum recalled its 2016-2017 engagement with the Federal Government and stressed that with over 209 trillion standard cubic feet of gas reserves in the Niger Delta, government must prioritise investment in gas infrastructure, gas-based industries, power generation, mini-LNGs, LPG and CNG hubs.
It called for accelerated development through strategic public-private investment, noting that harnessing gas resources would promote industrialisation, improve electricity supply, create employment and enhance prosperity in the region and the country.
On modular refineries, the meeting recalled that it was among economic initiatives discussed with the Buhari administration, with a dedicated Modular Refinery Development Fund envisaged to mobilise financing and unlock downstream potential.
PANDEF emphasised that modular refineries would complement large-scale refineries such as Dangote, Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, reduce dependence on imported products, support local enterprise and stimulate ancillary industries.
The forum therefore called on the Federal Government to give renewed priority to modular refinery development and establish appropriate framework for financing, licensing, technical support and environmental compliance.
On agriculture, the meeting emphasised that agriculture represents one of the most promising opportunities for diversifying the Niger Delta economy, noting that rainfall, water resources and ecological diversity provide favourable conditions for palm oil, rice, cassava, vegetables and horticultural products.
It called on Federal and state governments to formulate coordinated agricultural programmes prioritising improved seedlings, mechanisation, irrigation, rural roads, storage, agro-processing, affordable financing, extension services and reliable markets.
On investment, the forum expressed intention to explore establishment of a South-South Investment Fund capable of pooling resources from individuals, businesses and institutions to support critical economic sectors, promote interconnectivity, enterprise development and sustainable growth.
On the state of the nation and 2027 general elections, the meeting expressed concern over peace, security, national cohesion and responsible governance, and called on people of the South-South to exercise civic responsibilities peacefully and vote according to conscience.
It urged them to choose candidates whose programmes and capacity align with aspirations of the region and who can contribute meaningfully to peace, progress and development of the Niger Delta.
The meeting reiterated PANDEF’s commitment to constructive engagement with Federal Government, six state governments, traditional institutions, private sector and other stakeholders in pursuit of peace, unity, security and sustainable development.
It also called on sons and daughters of the Niger Delta holding public office, especially at federal level, to show more commitment to activities focused on uniting the people and advancing the cause of the region.
The forum reaffirmed that the development of the Niger Delta is inseparable from the development of Nigeria and urged all relevant authorities to translate policy commitments and announced projects into tangible outcomes for the benefit of the country.
