The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for an increase in oil revenue derivation to a minimum of 50 per cent, 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 the organisation’s Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee, held in Abuja and virtually on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
The communiqué was signed by the Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees, Obong (Arc.) Victor Attah, and the National Chairman, Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali.
According to the communiqué, the forum maintained that increasing the derivation allocation from the current minimum of 13 per cent to at least 50 per cent would enable oil-producing states and communities to address years of environmental degradation, developmental deficits, health hazards and the socioeconomic consequences of oil and gas exploration.
PANDEF also urged the Federal Government, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Assembly to urgently address the controversial onshore/offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation.
The organisation argued that offshore oil and gas operations affect the marine environment, fishing grounds and livelihoods of coastal communities, making it necessary to abolish the distinction in revenue allocation.
PANDEF Demands Urgent Niger Delta Cleanup
On environmental protection, the forum expressed concern over the persistent pollution and ecological damage suffered by communities across the Niger Delta after more than six decades of oil and gas exploration and production.
It specifically identified Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State, Odidi in Delta State and Kula in Rivers State as areas requiring urgent environmental attention.
PANDEF called for adequate, sustained and transparent funding of the Ogoni cleanup programme and urged the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive framework for extending environmental remediation to other affected communities in the region.
The forum 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 cleaning up and restoring polluted communities.
Forum Backs South-South Ports, Deep-Sea Port Projects
On maritime development, 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 in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa states, namely the Ibom Deep Sea Port, Bonny Deep Sea Port and Agge Deep Sea Port.
The forum urged the Federal Government to establish a sustainable financing framework for the projects, comparable to arrangements supporting major port infrastructure around the Lagos corridor.
According to PANDEF, developing the region’s ports would strengthen trade links with East, Central and Southern Africa, improve access to international markets and enable Nigeria to take greater advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: PANDEF Sets Up Technical Committee
The forum also reiterated its support for the accelerated completion of the 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing the project as critical to connectivity, economic integration and the development of coastal communities.
It welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to retain the highway’s original broad alignment as a distinct strategic infrastructure project.
PANDEF disclosed that it had resolved to establish a high-level technical committee to assist the Federal Ministry of Works with the project, drawing on previous design work undertaken by the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and relevant professionals.
The organisation further called on the Federal Government to establish appropriate north-south rail connections linking the region with the rest of the country.
It said the successful completion of the coastal highway would stimulate trade and investment, strengthen national integration and unlock opportunities in the blue economy and marine resources.
PANDEF Seeks Investment in Gas, Modular Refineries
On economic diversification, PANDEF urged the Federal and state governments to prioritise the development of the Niger Delta’s natural gas resources through investments in gas infrastructure, power generation, mini-liquefied natural gas facilities, liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas hubs, petrochemicals and other gas-based industries.
The forum noted that the region possesses substantial natural gas reserves and argued that harnessing the resources would promote industrialisation, improve electricity supply, create jobs and boost economic prosperity.
It also called for renewed government support for modular refineries, including appropriate financing arrangements, licensing frameworks, technical assistance and environmental compliance measures.
According to the forum, a well-regulated modular refining industry would complement large-scale refineries, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, support local businesses and generate employment across the country.
Forum Calls for Agricultural Transformation
PANDEF further identified agriculture as a major avenue for diversifying the Niger Delta economy and reducing dependence on oil and gas revenues.
It urged the Federal Government and the six South-South state governments to develop a coordinated agricultural programme focused on the region’s ecological and economic advantages.
The programme, according to the communiqué, should prioritise palm oil, rice, cassava, vegetables and other crops, alongside improved seedlings, mechanisation, irrigation, rural roads, storage facilities, agro-processing, affordable financing and access to markets.
The forum maintained that investment in agricultural value chains would strengthen food security, create jobs and transform the region’s natural resources into sustainable economic prosperity.
PANDEF Considers Regional Investment Fund
The organisation also disclosed plans to explore the establishment of a South-South investment fund to mobilise resources from individuals, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders for investments in critical sectors of the regional economy.
It said the proposed market-based fund would support enterprise development, job creation, economic connectivity and sustainable growth.
PANDEF resolved to continue engaging relevant stakeholders, particularly private-sector operators, to develop a practical framework for the initiative.
PANDEF Urges Peaceful Conduct Ahead of 2027 Elections
On the political situation in the country, the forum expressed concern about national security, peace, cohesion and governance as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
It urged people of the South-South to exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and vote according to their conscience.
The organisation advised voters to support candidates at all levels whose programmes, commitments and demonstrated capacity align with the aspirations of the region and the broader interests of the Niger Delta.
PANDEF Reviews Ten Years of Advocacy
The meeting also reviewed the organisation’s activities over the past decade, including its 16-point agenda presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 1, 2016.
PANDEF identified the establishment of the South-South Development Commission, advocacy for greater regional participation in the oil and gas industry, the commencement of activities at the Nigerian Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Delta State, and the upgrading of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, among its notable achievements and areas of sustained advocacy.
The forum also commended its leadership for contributions towards restoring peace in Rivers State and acknowledged ongoing efforts to resolve the oil-well dispute between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, as well as promote improved inter-ethnic relations in Warri, Delta State.
The meeting reaffirmed PANDEF’s commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government, the six South-South state governments, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to advance peace, security, unity and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
It also urged indigenes 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 communiqué concluded that the development of the Niger Delta was inseparable from Nigeria’s overall progress, calling on relevant authorities to translate policy commitments and announced projects into tangible benefits for the people.
The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Obong Victor Attah; National Chairman of the National Executive Committee, Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali; members of the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee; state chairmen; former governors and ministers; traditional rulers; political leaders; and other stakeholders from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states.
