The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has demanded an increase in the derivation allocation to oil-producing states from the current minimum of 13 per cent to 50 per cent, while calling for the abolition of the onshore-offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation.
The forum also urged the Federal Government to prioritise environmental remediation, accelerate the development of seaports across the South-South region and ensure the successful completion of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
These resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of 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, alongside other members of the Board of Trustees, the National Executive Committee, state chairmen and other prominent stakeholders from the six South-South states.
The forum said the existing 13 per cent derivation allocation had remained unchanged for more than two decades despite the environmental degradation, ecological challenges and developmental burdens borne by oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta.
It therefore called on the Federal Government, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Assembly to initiate appropriate constitutional and legislative measures to increase the derivation allocation to a minimum of 50 per cent.
PANDEF argued that the proposed increase would enable oil-producing states and communities to address longstanding infrastructure deficits, environmental damage, health hazards and the socioeconomic consequences of decades of oil and gas exploration.
On the onshore-offshore dichotomy, the forum maintained that offshore petroleum operations also affect the livelihoods of coastal communities through oil spills, damage to marine ecosystems and disruption of fishing activities.
It called on the National Assembly, in collaboration with the Federal Government and RMAFC, to urgently abolish the dichotomy in revenue allocation.
PANDEF Demands Niger Delta Environmental Clean-up
On environmental protection, PANDEF expressed concern that communities across the Niger Delta continued to suffer the consequences of more than six decades of oil and gas exploration and production.
The forum specifically identified Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State, Odidi in Delta State and Kula in Rivers State as areas requiring urgent environmental attention.
It called for adequate, sustained and transparent funding of the Ogoni clean-up programme and urged the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive framework for extending environmental remediation to other polluted communities across the Niger Delta.
PANDEF also called on presidential candidates of political parties to demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental justice by presenting practical, measurable and time-bound plans for the clean-up, restoration and sustainable development of affected communities.
The organisation stressed that environmental restoration must remain a central component of the development agenda for the oil-producing region.
Backs Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
On the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, PANDEF welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to retain the original broad alignment of the 750-kilometre project as a distinct strategic infrastructure initiative.
The forum said the highway had a long historical background predating Nigeria’s independence and had featured prominently in discussions about the development, connectivity and economic integration of coastal communities in the Niger Delta.
It noted that previous design work undertaken by the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alongside the expertise of professionals from the region, could assist the Federal Ministry of Works in advancing the project.
PANDEF disclosed that it had resolved to establish a high-level technical committee to assist the Federal Ministry of Works with the project.
The forum also called for the simultaneous rehabilitation of the East-West Road and other dilapidated roads across the region, stressing that the completion of the coastal highway was non-negotiable.
According to PANDEF, the highway would improve connectivity among coastal states, stimulate trade and investment, strengthen national integration and unlock economic opportunities in the blue economy and marine resources sector.
It further urged the Federal Government to establish an appropriate north-south rail connection linking the South-South region with the rest of the country.
Supports Development of South-South Seaports
The forum commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to modernise and upgrade the ports of Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar.
It also welcomed approvals for proposed deep-sea port projects in the region, including the Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State, Bonny Deep Sea Port in Rivers State and Agge Deep Sea Port in Bayelsa State.
PANDEF maintained that developing the ports would strengthen Nigeria’s trade links with East, Central and Southern Africa and improve the country’s capacity to benefit from opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
It called on the Federal Government to establish a sustainable financing framework for the South-South port projects, comparable to arrangements adopted for major port infrastructure around the Lagos corridor.
The forum said the development of the ports would create employment, attract investments and promote economic diversification across the Niger Delta.
Seeks Investment in Gas, Modular Refineries
PANDEF urged the Federal and state governments to accelerate investment in natural gas infrastructure and gas-based industries, describing the Niger Delta’s gas resources as a major opportunity for industrialisation and economic growth.
The forum noted that the region holds more than 209 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas reserves and called for investment in power generation, mini-liquefied natural gas facilities, liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas hubs, petrochemicals and other value-added industries.
It said harnessing the region’s gas resources would improve electricity supply, create jobs, stimulate industrial activities and enhance economic prosperity across Nigeria.
The forum also called for renewed attention to modular refinery development, recalling that the initiative formed part of its earlier economic engagements with the Federal Government.
It advocated an appropriate framework for financing, licensing, technical support and environmental compliance to ensure the viability of modular refineries.
According to PANDEF, properly regulated modular refineries would complement existing large-scale refining operations, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, support local enterprises and create employment opportunities.
Calls for Agricultural Transformation
As part of efforts to diversify the Niger Delta economy, PANDEF called on the Federal Government and the six South-South state governments to adopt a coordinated agricultural development programme.
The forum identified palm oil, rice, cassava, vegetables, horticultural products and other crops suited to the region’s ecological conditions as priority areas for investment.
It urged governments to invest in improved seedlings, mechanisation, irrigation and water management where appropriate, rural roads, storage facilities, agro-processing industries, affordable financing and extension services.
PANDEF maintained that agriculture should become a central pillar of the region’s economic diversification strategy, with a focus on food security, job creation and sustainable prosperity.
It added that developing agricultural value chains would enable the Niger Delta to maximise its natural resources beyond oil and gas production.
Proposes South-South Investment Fund
The forum also announced plans to explore the establishment of a regional investment fund to mobilise resources from individuals, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders within and outside the South-South.
The proposed market-based fund is expected to support investments in critical economic sectors, promote enterprise development, improve regional connectivity and generate employment.
PANDEF said it would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, particularly those in the private sector, to develop a practical framework for the initiative.
Reviews Ten Years of PANDEF
The meeting reviewed PANDEF’s achievements over the past decade, including its advocacy for the implementation of the 16-point agenda presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 1, 2016.
Among the achievements highlighted were the establishment of the South-South Development Commission, increased advocacy for the participation of the region in the oil and gas industry, the commencement of activities at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, and the upgrading of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
The forum also cited its sustained engagement with the Federal Government on infrastructure development, port operations, local participation in the security of oil and gas assets and peaceful coexistence among communities across the region.
It commended its leadership for efforts towards restoring peace in Rivers State and acknowledged ongoing engagements aimed at resolving the dispute over oil wells between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
PANDEF also highlighted its efforts to promote improved inter-ethnic relations in Warri, Delta State.
The meeting paid tribute to the founding fathers and other prominent figures whose contributions led to the formation of the organisation ten years ago.
It particularly honoured the memory of its erstwhile leader, Chief Dr Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, former Governor Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, former Senate President Joseph Wayas and other political leaders, traditional rulers and stakeholders who contributed to the unity of the South-South.
Urges South-South Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections
On the state of the nation, PANDEF expressed concern over the challenges confronting Nigeria and stressed the need for peace, security, national cohesion and responsible governance as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
The forum urged people of the South-South to exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and vote according to their conscience.
It called on voters to support candidates at all levels whose programmes, commitments and demonstrated capacity align with the aspirations of the region and can contribute meaningfully to the peace, progress and development of the Niger Delta.
PANDEF further appealed to sons and daughters of the region holding public offices, particularly at the federal level, to demonstrate greater commitment to the activities of the organisation and the collective interests of the Niger Delta.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government, the six state governments, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders in pursuit of peace, unity, security and sustainable development.
It maintained that the development of the Niger Delta remained inseparable from Nigeria’s overall progress and urged relevant authorities to translate policy commitments and announced projects into tangible benefits for the people.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Obong Victor Attah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei Igali, National Chairman of PANDEF.