Niger Delta leaders and stakeholders have renewed calls for resource control, equitable revenue allocation and the restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system, arguing that oil-producing states and communities deserve greater control over the resources generated from their territories.
The call was made at the 65th birthday media chat of Elder Statesman and South-South leader, Amb. Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener of the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), held on Saturday.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Alagoa congratulated Ambakederimo on his contributions to the Niger Delta struggle and wished him well as he marked his 65th birthday.
He commended Ambakederimo for consistently advocating the interests of the Niger Delta, particularly on resource control and fiscal federalism.
Prof. Alagoa expressed concern over what he described as the inadequate response of Niger Delta governments and political leaders to the region’s long-standing demands, noting that the agitation for resource control should remain a priority.
He recalled that former Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha had made efforts toward advancing the interests of the region, while describing the present Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, as one of the few leaders who has continued to speak on the issue.
According to him, there was a recent event where delegates from the Northern region were prominently represented, while the Niger Delta appeared to have little or no representation, questioning the commitment of the region’s leaders to issues affecting its people.
He argued that the principle of derivation should be strengthened, stressing that communities and states that produce the resources should receive a greater share of the proceeds.
“Those who provide should be given more,” he said, while stressing the need for a fairer arrangement in the distribution and control of Nigeria’s natural resources.
He also referenced ongoing legal efforts concerning resource control and the creation of additional local government areas, urging stakeholders to allow the judicial process to run its course.
Prof. Alagoa further recalled the writings and advocacy of the late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, particularly his appeal to friends of Nigeria over the suffering of the people of the Niger Delta.
He said the region remained in a difficult situation, arguing that Nigeria appeared to lack a clear sense of direction on how its resources should be managed and distributed.
He also questioned the basis of the 13 per cent derivation formula, asking how the percentage was calculated in relation to the contribution of oil-producing states to the national economy.
He described the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as still complicated and called for further reforms that would address the concerns of oil-producing communities and states.
Prof. Alagoa also commended Governor Douye Diri for continuing to agitate for greater resource equity, noting that the governor’s position was consistent with his previous involvement in the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).
In his prepared address, Ambakederimo described resource control as one of the most persistent and contentious issues in Nigerian politics, linking it directly to the question of fiscal federalism.
He argued that the Niger Delta generates a significant portion of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, while its communities continue to bear the environmental consequences of oil exploration, including oil spills, gas flaring, polluted water and the destruction of traditional livelihoods.
Ambakederimo said the present 13 per cent derivation arrangement was inadequate, arguing that the country should return to a system that gives states greater control over resources found within their territories.
He noted that while the 1963 Constitution allowed regions to retain a larger share of revenue from resources within their territories, his recommendation was for states to retain 70 per cent of such revenue and contribute an agreed percentage to the centre.
He further argued that the current system of centralised revenue allocation had contributed to Nigeria’s slow development and deepened suspicion among the country’s various regions.
According to him, true federalism would allow states to determine and finance development priorities according to their resources and needs, while contributing an agreed percentage to the central government.
Ambakederimo also commended Governor Diri for his continued advocacy on resource control, saying the governor’s position aligned with the theme of the birthday media chat, “Federalism with Equity: Fair Resources, Fair Opportunities.”
He noted that Diri had argued against a system in which resource-endowed states receive only a small derivation percentage while revenues generated from their territories are pooled and shared nationally. He added that greater resources in the hands of states could accelerate development when properly utilised.
The SSRG convener maintained that the agitation for resource control must continue within the ambit of the law, urging Niger Delta people and other Nigerians to support the demand for a more equitable federal arrangement.
He said resource control would benefit not only the Niger Delta but other regions as states increasingly discover valuable mineral resources within their territories.
Ambakederimo also called for comprehensive restructuring rather than what he described as piecemeal reforms, arguing that Nigeria needed to revisit the principles of the 1963 Constitution and build a federal system based on equity, autonomy and accountability.
He said the country must change its approach to federalism, stressing that “Federalism with Equity – Fair Resources, Fair Opportunities” remained a task that must be pursued.
Other speakers, including Prof. Sikoki and HRH Dakolo, also commended Ambakederimo for his consistency in championing the interests of the Niger Delta.
They reinforced the call for resource control and advocated measures that would improve economic opportunities and development in the region, arguing that greater control of resources and improved living conditions could help address some of the social problems confronting the Niger Delta, including criminality and youth restiveness.
The speakers urged political leaders and stakeholders in the region to sustain the conversation and pursue resource control through constitutional, political and legal means.
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