Forum urges coastal highway completion, environmental remediation, port modernisation and peaceful 2027 elections
ABUJA — 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 at least 50 per cent, arguing that the existing arrangement does not adequately address the environmental degradation and developmental challenges confronting communities in the Niger Delta.
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The demand was 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, Obong Victor Attah, and the National Chairman, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, alongside other members of the organisation, state chairmen and prominent stakeholders from the six South-South states.
PANDEF maintained that oil-producing communities have endured decades of environmental damage, ecological challenges and socioeconomic hardship arising from oil and gas exploration and production.
According to the communiqué, the proposed increase in derivation would enable oil-producing states and communities to address longstanding infrastructure deficits, environmental damage, health hazards and other consequences of petroleum activities.
The Forum also called on the Federal Government, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Assembly to urgently address the longstanding controversy surrounding the onshore/offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation.
It argued that offshore petroleum operations also affect the marine ecosystems and fishing grounds upon which coastal communities depend for their livelihoods.
PANDEF Reviews Ten Years of Regional Advocacy
The meeting reviewed PANDEF’s activities over the past decade, particularly its implementation of the 16-point agenda presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 1, 2016.
The Forum highlighted several achievements and areas of sustained advocacy, including the establishment of the South-South Development Commission, the development of maritime education, increased participation of the region in the oil and gas industry, improved infrastructure and greater local involvement in the security of oil and gas assets.
It also commended the organisation’s leadership for its contributions towards restoring peace in Rivers State and acknowledged ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute over oil wells between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The Forum further highlighted its engagements aimed at improving inter-ethnic relations in Warri, Delta State, and promoting peaceful coexistence across the region.
Reaffirming its position as the umbrella socio-political organisation representing the collective aspirations of the South-South, PANDEF stressed the need for sustained collaboration among the six state governments, federal lawmakers, traditional rulers, political leaders, business interests and other stakeholders.
Calls for Urgent Environmental Remediation
On environmental protection, PANDEF warned that communities across the Niger Delta continue 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 attention.
It called for adequate, sustained and transparent funding of the Ogoni clean-up programme and urged the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive framework for extending environmental remediation to other affected communities across the Niger Delta.
PANDEF also challenged presidential candidates of all political parties to demonstrate their commitment to environmental justice by presenting practical, measurable and time-bound plans for the clean-up and restoration of polluted communities.
The Forum maintained that environmental remediation must remain a central component of national development planning, particularly in the oil-producing region.
Backs Port Modernisation, Deep-Sea Port Projects
PANDEF welcomed the Federal Government’s 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, the Bonny Deep Sea Port in Rivers State and the Agge Deep Sea Port in Bayelsa State.
According to the Forum, the strategic location of the South-South ports offers opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s trade connections with East, Central and Southern Africa while improving access to international markets.
PANDEF noted that effective port development could also enable Nigeria to take greater advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
It therefore urged the Federal Government to establish a sustainable financing framework for the region’s port projects, comparable to arrangements adopted for major port infrastructure along the Lagos corridor.
The Forum stressed that the successful development of these facilities would stimulate trade, attract investment, generate employment and strengthen the region’s contribution to the national economy.
Declares Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Completion Non-Negotiable
The meeting also addressed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing its accelerated and successful completion as non-negotiable.
PANDEF welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to retain the original broad alignment of the proposed 750-kilometre highway as a distinct strategic infrastructure project.
The Forum recalled that the coastal highway concept predated Nigeria’s independence and had featured prominently in discussions about connectivity, economic integration and development across the coastal communities of 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), together with the expertise of relevant professionals from the region, could assist the Federal Ministry of Works in advancing the project.
Consequently, PANDEF resolved to establish a high-level technical committee to assist the Ministry of Works with the highway project.
The Forum also called for accelerated development of the East-West Road and the rehabilitation of other dilapidated roads across the region.
In addition, it urged the Federal Government to take the necessary steps to establish appropriate north-south rail connections linking the South-South to the rest of the country.
PANDEF maintained that the coastal highway would improve connectivity among coastal states, stimulate trade and investment, strengthen national integration and unlock opportunities in the blue and marine economy.
Advocates Gas-Based Industries, Modular Refineries
In its economic development proposals, PANDEF called for accelerated investment in natural gas infrastructure and gas-based industries, citing the region’s substantial natural gas reserves.
The Forum advocated 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 the development of these sectors could improve electricity supply, support industrialisation, create jobs and expand economic opportunities across the Niger Delta and Nigeria.
PANDEF also called on the Federal Government to renew its commitment to modular refinery development through appropriate financing, licensing, technical support and environmental compliance frameworks.
The Forum maintained that modular refineries could complement large-scale refining operations, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, support local enterprise and stimulate ancillary industries.
It stressed that a well-regulated modular refining sector could contribute to employment generation and economic diversification.
Urges Governments to Prioritise Agriculture
PANDEF identified agriculture as another major opportunity for economic diversification and reduced dependence on oil and gas revenues.
The Forum highlighted the region’s favourable rainfall, water resources and ecological diversity as important advantages for agricultural production.
It identified palm oil, rice, cassava, vegetables, horticultural products and other crops suited to the region’s ecological conditions as priority areas for investment and value addition.
The organisation called on the Federal Government and the six South-South state governments to implement a coordinated agricultural development programme.
It said such a programme should prioritise improved seedlings, mechanisation, irrigation and water management where appropriate, rural roads, storage facilities, agro-processing industries, affordable financing, agricultural extension services and reliable markets.
PANDEF argued that coordinated investment in agriculture would strengthen food security, create employment and transform the region’s natural resources into sustainable economic prosperity.
Proposes South-South Investment Fund
The Forum also disclosed plans to explore the establishment of a regional investment fund to mobilise resources from individuals, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders within and beyond the South-South.
According to the communiqué, the proposed market-based fund would support investments in critical economic sectors while promoting regional connectivity, enterprise development, job creation and sustainable growth.
PANDEF resolved to continue engaging relevant stakeholders, particularly private-sector operators, towards developing a practical framework for the proposed initiative.
Calls for Peaceful, Issue-Based 2027 Elections
As Nigeria prepares for 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 Forum urged the people of the South-South to participate peacefully in the electoral process and vote according to their conscience.
It called on voters to choose candidates at all levels whose programmes, commitments and demonstrated capacity align with the aspirations of the region and who can contribute meaningfully to the peace, progress and development of the Niger Delta.
The organisation’s position underscored the importance of issue-based electoral choices and responsible political participation ahead of the elections.
Pays Tribute to Founding Fathers
The meeting also honoured the founding fathers of PANDEF and other prominent leaders whose contributions helped unite the diverse organisations and ethnic nationalities of the South-South under a common platform.
Among those remembered were the late Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, former Akwa Ibom State Governor Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, former Senate President Joseph Wayas, Chief Tony Anenih, Chief Tonye Graham-Douglas and several traditional rulers, military officers, political leaders and regional advocates.
The Forum acknowledged their roles in building regional solidarity, recalling earlier movements such as the Calabar-Ogoja-Rivers Movement and the movement for the creation of the Midwest Region.
The tributes formed part of the organisation’s reflection on its first decade and the historical efforts that preceded its establishment.
Reaffirms Commitment to Niger Delta Development
In conclusion, PANDEF reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government, the six South-South state governments, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders in pursuit of peace, unity, security and sustainable development.
The Forum also called on sons and daughters of the Niger Delta holding public office, particularly at the federal level, to demonstrate greater commitment to the organisation’s activities and its efforts to advance the collective interests of the region.
It stressed that the development of the Niger Delta is inseparable from Nigeria’s overall development, urging relevant authorities to translate policy commitments and announced projects into tangible results.
The communiqué was signed by Obong Victor Attah, Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, and Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, National Chairman, in Abuja on October 27, 2026.
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