RismadarVoice Reporters
October 28, 2026
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on the Federal Government to increase the derivation allocation to oil-producing states from the current constitutional minimum of 13 per cent to 50 per cent, citing environmental degradation and longstanding infrastructure deficits across the Niger Delta.
The demand formed part of a communiqué issued following the organisation’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday to mark its 10th anniversary.
PANDEF National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, said the existing revenue-sharing arrangement had remained unchanged for more than two decades despite the environmental and economic consequences of petroleum exploration.
He urged the Federal Government, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission and National Assembly to initiate the necessary constitutional and legislative reforms.
The forum also demanded the abolition of the onshore-offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation, arguing that offshore petroleum activities could damage marine ecosystems and fishing grounds relied upon by coastal communities.
On environmental protection, PANDEF called for sustained and transparent funding of the Ogoni clean-up programme and the extension of remediation efforts to other polluted communities.
It identified Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State, Odidi in Delta State and Kula in Rivers State as areas requiring urgent intervention.
The organisation further urged the Federal Government to accelerate construction of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the project as essential to regional connectivity, commerce and investment.
PANDEF also called for the modernisation of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar, alongside sustainable financing for proposed deep-sea ports in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa states.
The group advocated increased investment in gas infrastructure and renewed support for modular refineries through financing, licensing, technical assistance and environmental safeguards.
It argued that properly regulated modular refineries could support local businesses, generate employment and complement existing refining facilities.
PANDEF additionally proposed a South-South investment fund to mobilise private capital for infrastructure, enterprise development and job creation.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the organisation urged voters to participate peacefully and assess candidates based on their programmes and commitment to regional development.
It also challenged presidential candidates to present measurable plans for environmental restoration and infrastructure improvement.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful engagement with government authorities and other stakeholders, maintaining that addressing environmental pollution, revenue allocation, and infrastructure challenges was essential to sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
