By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
RENOWNED Niger Delta environmental and human rights activist, Chief Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to suspend the current practice of paying the 13 per cent oil derivation funds directly to oil-producing state governments, and instead deploy the resources for federally coordinated mega development projects across the Niger Delta.
Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimoowei of the oil-rich ancient Gbaramtu Kingdom in Delta State, made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
He argued that the existing arrangement has failed to translate into meaningful development for oil-bearing communities, largely due to corruption, mismanagement and diversion of funds by some state governments.
According to him, despite trillions of naira disbursed as derivation funds over the years, many Niger Delta communities continue to grapple with poverty, environmental degradation, unemployment and the absence of basic infrastructure.
“The 13 per cent derivation fund was designed to bring development and relief to oil-producing communities, but sadly, that objective has been largely defeated,” Chief Mulade said. “What we see today is massive diversion, mismanagement and misappropriation of oil derivation funds, with little or no impact on the lives of ordinary people in the creeks and host communities.”
He urged President Tinubu to embark on a bold policy shift by redirecting derivation funds into well-structured, transparent and independently monitored mega projects, particularly in critical areas such as coastal protection, environmental remediation, roads, bridges, healthcare, education and youth employment.
Chief Mulade
Chief Mulade proposed that such projects should be executed through special-purpose development frameworks with strong community participation, credible oversight mechanisms and clear performance benchmarks to ensure value for money.
“This administration has a historic opportunity to correct decades of injustice and waste in the Niger Delta,” he said. “Rather than sharing money that disappears into private pockets, let us invest in visible, life-changing projects that will stand the test of time and create employment opportunities for the youths.”
The activist further noted that insecurity, oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region are closely linked to underdevelopment and neglect, stressing that strategic investment in infrastructure and human capital would significantly reduce restiveness and criminality.
He also called on the National Assembly to support constitutional and policy reforms that would enable more effective utilisation of derivation funds in the overall interest of oil-bearing communities.
Chief Mulade expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s administration, if guided by transparency and strong political will, could redefine development in the Niger Delta and restore public trust in the management of oil revenues.
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