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Niger Delta activist Mulade urges President Tinubu to end direct 13% oil derivation payments to state governments
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Calls for mega development projects to replace cash disbursements amid corruption concerns
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Says transparent investment will fix Niger Delta underdevelopment, insecurity and youth unemployment
Renowned Niger Delta environmental and human rights advocate, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discontinue the direct payment of the 13 per cent oil derivation funds to oil-producing state governments, proposing that the resources be redirected into federally coordinated mega development projects across the Niger Delta.
Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimoowei of the oil-rich Gbaramtu Kingdom in Delta State, made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
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He argued that the current derivation framework has failed to translate into tangible development for oil-bearing communities due to widespread corruption, poor management and diversion of funds by some state authorities.
According to him, despite trillions of naira released over the years as oil derivation, many Niger Delta communities continue to grapple with deep poverty, environmental devastation, joblessness and the absence of basic social infrastructure.
“The 13 per cent derivation was meant to ease suffering and drive development in oil-producing areas, but that purpose has largely been defeated,” Mulade said.
“What we see instead is large-scale mismanagement and diversion of these funds, with little benefit to the ordinary people in host communities.”
He called on President Tinubu to initiate a decisive policy shift by channeling derivation funds into transparent, well-planned and independently monitored mega projects focused on coastal protection, environmental clean-up, roads and bridges, healthcare delivery, education and youth employment.
Mulade proposed that such interventions be executed through special-purpose development structures with strong community involvement, credible oversight and measurable performance benchmarks to ensure accountability and value for money.
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“This administration has a rare opportunity to correct decades of waste and injustice in the Niger Delta,” he said. “Rather than distributing funds that vanish into private pockets, government should invest in visible, enduring projects that create jobs and transform lives.”
The activist further linked persistent insecurity, oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region to chronic neglect and underdevelopment, noting that strategic investment in infrastructure and human capital would significantly reduce unrest and criminal activities.
He also urged the National Assembly to back constitutional and policy reforms that would enable more effective utilisation of oil derivation funds for the direct benefit of oil-bearing communities.
Mulade expressed optimism that with transparency and political will, the Tinubu administration could reset Niger Delta development and rebuild public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s oil revenues.
