TRACKNEWS ONLINE | POLITICS
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, while demanding urgent environmental remediation across the Niger Delta and accelerated development of critical infrastructure in the region.
The demands 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, OON, alongside members of the Board of Trustees, National Executive Committee, state chairmen and other prominent stakeholders from the six South-South states.
In the communiqué, PANDEF expressed concern over the environmental degradation, ecological challenges and developmental deficits confronting oil-producing communities after more than six decades of oil and gas exploration and production.
The regional socio-political organisation maintained that increasing derivation to at least 50 per cent would enable oil-producing states and communities to address longstanding infrastructure gaps, environmental damage, health hazards and the socioeconomic consequences of petroleum activities.
PANDEF DEMANDS URGENT NIGER DELTA CLEAN-UP
The forum identified environmental remediation as a major priority, drawing attention to the continuing environmental challenges in Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State, Odidi in Delta State and Kula in Rivers State.
It called on the Federal Government to provide adequate, sustained and transparent funding for the Ogoni clean-up programme and develop a comprehensive framework for extending similar remediation efforts to other polluted communities across the Niger Delta.
PANDEF also urged presidential candidates of political parties to demonstrate their commitment to environmental justice by presenting practical, measurable and time-bound plans for cleaning up and restoring affected communities.
The forum stressed that environmental protection must remain central to government policies concerning the Niger Delta, given the region’s contribution to the national economy through oil and gas production.
SOUTH-SOUTH DEEP-SEAPORT PROJECTS
On maritime infrastructure, PANDEF welcomed the decision to modernise and upgrade the ports of Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar.
It also welcomed approvals for proposed deep-sea port projects, 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.
According to the communiqué, developing the ports would strengthen trade connections with East, Central and Southern Africa while improving Nigeria’s ability to benefit from opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
However, PANDEF urged 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.
LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY: COMPLETION NON-NEGOTIABLE
The organisation also reiterated its support for the accelerated completion of the 750-kilometre Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the project as critical to connectivity, trade, investment and economic integration across Nigeria’s coastal communities.
PANDEF noted the Federal Government’s decision to retain the highway’s original broad alignment as a distinct strategic infrastructure project following the reported reconsideration of an earlier proposal to integrate the route into the East-West Road.
The forum said previous design work undertaken by the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alongside the expertise of relevant professionals from the region, could assist the Federal Ministry of Works in advancing the project.
It disclosed that it had resolved to establish a high-level technical committee to assist the ministry with the coastal highway project.
The forum further called for the rehabilitation of the East-West Road and other deteriorating roads in the Niger Delta, as well as the establishment of an appropriate north-south rail connection linking the region to the rest of the country.
PANDEF maintained that successful and timely completion of the coastal highway was non-negotiable, citing its potential to unlock the region’s blue economy, marine resources and wider investment opportunities.
CALLS FOR ABOLITION OF ONSHORE/OFFSHORE DICHOTOMY
PANDEF renewed its demand for the abolition of the onshore/offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation, arguing that offshore petroleum operations also affect the marine ecosystems and fishing grounds upon which coastal communities depend.
The forum called on the National Assembly, the Federal Government and the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to initiate appropriate legislative and constitutional measures to address the issue.
It argued that oil spills and other incidents arising from offshore petroleum activities could damage marine ecosystems, disrupt fishing activities and undermine the economic livelihoods of coastal populations, regardless of whether the affected petroleum resources were located onshore or offshore.
The organisation maintained that the revenue allocation framework should reflect the environmental and socioeconomic realities faced by communities in oil-producing areas.
GAS DEVELOPMENT, MODULAR REFINERIES TOP ECONOMIC AGENDA
Beyond infrastructure and revenue allocation, PANDEF called for accelerated investment in gas development and gas-based industries across the Niger Delta.
The forum noted that the region holds more than 209 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas reserves and urged federal and state governments to prioritise investments in power generation, mini-liquefied natural gas facilities, liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas hubs, petrochemicals and other value-added industries.
It said developing the gas sector could improve electricity supply, stimulate industrialisation, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s economic growth.
PANDEF also urged the Federal Government to renew its commitment to modular refinery development through an appropriate framework for financing, licensing, technical support and environmental compliance.
The organisation said modular refineries could complement large-scale refining projects, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, encourage local enterprise and generate employment across the Niger Delta and other parts of the country.
AGRICULTURE IDENTIFIED AS KEY TO ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
PANDEF called on the Federal Government and the six South-South state governments to implement a coordinated agricultural development programme aimed at reducing dependence on oil and gas revenues.
It identified palm oil, rice, cassava, vegetables, horticultural products and other crops suited to the region’s ecological conditions as priority areas for investment.
The forum recommended improved seedlings, mechanisation, irrigation and water management, rural roads, storage facilities, agro-processing industries, affordable financing and better market access for farmers.
According to PANDEF, sustained investment in agriculture would help transform the region’s natural resources into long-term prosperity while strengthening Nigeria’s food security.
PANDEF CONSIDERS REGIONAL INVESTMENT FUND
The forum also disclosed its intention to explore the establishment of a South-South investment fund that would mobilise resources from individuals, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders within and outside the region.
The proposed market-based fund is expected to support investment 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.
PANDEF REVIEWS TEN YEARS OF ADVOCACY
The meeting reviewed the organisation’s achievements over the past decade, including its advocacy around 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, continued 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.
The forum also cited the upgrading of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, as well as sustained engagement with the Federal Government on port development, infrastructure and local participation in the security of oil and gas assets.
PANDEF commended its leadership for contributions towards restoring peace in Rivers State and acknowledged ongoing efforts to facilitate the resolution of the oil-well dispute between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
It also highlighted efforts to improve inter-ethnic relations in Warri, Delta State, and promote peaceful coexistence across the South-South.
The meeting paid tribute to the founding fathers and other prominent leaders whose contributions led to the formation of PANDEF, including the late Chief Dr. E.K. Clark, former Akwa Ibom Governor Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, former Senate President Joseph Wayas and other traditional, political and community leaders.
2027 ELECTIONS: PANDEF URGES PEACEFUL PARTICIPATION
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, PANDEF expressed concern about the state of the nation and emphasised the need for peace, security, national cohesion and responsible governance.
The organisation 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 organisation’s activities and its efforts to unite the people and advance the interests of the Niger Delta.
CONCLUSION
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government, state governments, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to promote peace, unity, security and sustainable development across the Niger Delta.
It maintained that the development of the Niger Delta remains inseparable from Nigeria’s overall progress, urging relevant authorities to translate policy commitments and announced projects into tangible outcomes for the people.
The communiqué was signed by Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman of PANDEF, and issued in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
TRACKNEWS ONLINE