The South-South socio-political group also calls for accelerated completion of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, abolition of the onshore/offshore dichotomy, improved seaports and greater investment in gas, modular refineries and agriculture ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for an increase in the oil revenue derivation allocation to oil-producing states from the current minimum of 13 per cent to 50 per cent, arguing that the existing arrangement is inadequate to address decades of environmental degradation and developmental challenges in the Niger Delta.

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, attended by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Obong Victor Attah, and National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, brought together former governors, ministers, traditional rulers, political leaders, state chairmen and other stakeholders from the six South-South states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers.

The forum said oil-producing communities continued to bear the consequences of decades of petroleum exploration and production, including pollution, ecological damage, health risks and economic hardship.

According to PANDEF, increasing the derivation allocation would enable oil-producing states and communities to address longstanding infrastructure deficits, environmental damage and the social and economic consequences of oil and gas operations.

The organisation also called on the Federal Government, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Assembly to urgently abolish the onshore/offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation.

It argued that offshore petroleum operations could adversely affect coastal communities through oil spills, damage to marine ecosystems and disruption of fishing activities, regardless of where the oil and gas resources were located.

PANDEF demands urgent Niger Delta clean-up

The forum renewed its call for comprehensive environmental remediation across the Niger Delta, warning that communities affected by oil pollution should not continue to suffer while development commitments remain unfulfilled.

It specifically identified Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State, Odidi in Delta State and Kula in Rivers State as areas requiring urgent environmental attention.

PANDEF urged the Federal Government to ensure adequate, sustained and transparent funding for the Ogoni clean-up programme and develop a comprehensive framework for extending environmental remediation to other affected communities across the region.

The group also challenged presidential candidates of political parties to demonstrate a clear commitment to environmental justice by presenting practical, measurable and time-bound plans for cleaning up polluted areas, restoring damaged ecosystems and promoting sustainable development.

It maintained that environmental restoration must remain a central component of the Niger Delta’s development agenda.

Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway declared non-negotiable

PANDEF also insisted that the accelerated and successful completion of the 750-kilometre Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway must be treated as a non-negotiable national priority.

The forum welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to retain the highway’s original broad alignment as a distinct strategic infrastructure project, following reported reconsideration of a proposal to integrate it into the East-West Road.

It described the coastal highway as a project with historical significance, noting that proposals for improved connectivity among coastal communities predated Nigeria’s independence.

The organisation said previous design work undertaken by the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), alongside the expertise of professionals from the region, could assist the Federal Ministry of Works in advancing the project.

PANDEF disclosed that it had resolved to establish a high-level technical committee to support the ministry on the highway project.

It further called for the rehabilitation of the East-West Road and other deteriorating roads across the Niger Delta, as well as the establishment of an appropriate north-south rail connection linking the region with the rest of Nigeria.

According to the forum, completing the coastal highway would improve connectivity among coastal states, stimulate trade and investment, strengthen national integration and unlock opportunities in the blue economy and marine resources.

Backs modernisation of South-South ports

The organisation commended President Bola Tinubu’s decision to modernise and upgrade the ports in 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.

PANDEF argued that the strategic location of the South-South ports could strengthen Nigeria’s trade links with East, Central and Southern Africa while creating opportunities to benefit more fully from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

However, the forum urged the Federal Government to establish a sustainable financing framework for the region’s port projects, comparable to arrangements adopted for major port infrastructure around the Lagos corridor.

It said effective port development would boost regional commerce, attract investment and expand economic opportunities beyond the petroleum industry.

Seeks greater investment in gas, modular refineries

PANDEF called for accelerated development of the Niger Delta’s gas resources, citing the region’s reported reserves of more than 209 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas.

It urged federal and state governments to prioritise investment in gas infrastructure and industries, including electricity generation, mini-liquefied natural gas facilities, liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas hubs, petrochemicals and other value-added businesses.

The forum said greater investment in gas development could improve electricity supply, support industrialisation, create employment and strengthen economic growth across the Niger Delta and Nigeria.

It also renewed its call for the development of modular refineries, proposing a dedicated financing framework to support viable projects.

According to PANDEF, modular refineries could complement existing and planned large-scale refining facilities, including the Dangote Refinery and government-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna.

The organisation said a properly regulated modular refining industry could reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, support local enterprises, generate jobs and stimulate related industries.

It urged the Federal Government to provide appropriate financing, licensing, technical support and environmental compliance frameworks to ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative.

Agriculture identified as key to economic diversification

The forum called on the Federal Government and the six South-South state governments to make agriculture a central pillar of the region’s economic diversification strategy.

It identified palm oil, rice, cassava, vegetables, horticultural products and other crops suited to the region’s ecological conditions as priority areas for investment.

PANDEF said the Niger Delta’s rainfall, water resources and ecological diversity provided significant opportunities for agricultural production, food processing and value addition.

However, it stressed that unlocking the sector’s potential would require improved seedlings, mechanisation, irrigation and water management, rural roads, storage facilities, agro-processing industries, affordable financing and reliable markets for farmers.

The group said coordinated investment in agriculture would strengthen food security, create employment and reduce the region’s dependence on oil and gas revenues.

Proposes South-South investment fund

As part of efforts to promote long-term economic growth, PANDEF announced plans to explore the establishment of a regional investment fund capable of mobilising resources from individuals, businesses, institutions and other stakeholders within and beyond the South-South.

The proposed market-based fund would support investment in critical economic sectors, promote connectivity, encourage enterprise development and create jobs.

The forum said it would continue engaging relevant stakeholders, particularly those in the private sector, to develop a practical framework for the initiative.

Reviews 10 years of advocacy

The meeting also reviewed PANDEF’s activities during its first decade, including efforts to advance the 16-point agenda presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on November 1, 2016.

The forum 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 in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, among its notable achievements and areas of sustained advocacy.

It also highlighted its engagement with the Federal Government on road and port development, local participation in securing oil and gas assets, and efforts to promote peaceful relations among communities and states.

PANDEF commended its leadership for contributing to efforts to restore peace in Rivers State. It also acknowledged ongoing engagement aimed at resolving the dispute over oil wells between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states and improving inter-ethnic relations in Warri, Delta State.

The forum reaffirmed its position as an umbrella socio-political organisation representing the collective interests and aspirations of the South-South.

Calls for unity ahead of 2027 elections

On the political front, PANDEF expressed concern over the state of the nation and stressed the need for peace, security, national cohesion and responsible governance as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

It urged people across the South-South to exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and vote according to their conscience.

The forum called on voters to support candidates at all levels whose programmes, commitments and demonstrated capacity align with the aspirations of the region and can contribute meaningfully to the peace, progress and development of the Niger Delta.

It also urged sons and daughters of the region holding public office, particularly at the federal level, to demonstrate greater commitment to PANDEF’s activities and its efforts to unite the people and advance the region’s interests.

Pays tribute to founding fathers

The meeting paid tribute to the founding fathers of PANDEF, whose efforts brought together various regional organisations under one umbrella a decade ago.

The forum recalled that the initiative built on earlier movements for regional cooperation, including the Calabar-Ogoja Rivers (COR) Movement and the movement for the creation of the Midwest.

It also honoured the memories of former leaders and prominent figures who contributed to the establishment and development of the organisation, including Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, former Akwa Ibom Governor Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, former Senate President Joseph Wayas, Chief Tony Anenih and Chief Tonye Graham Douglas.

Traditional rulers, military officers, community leaders and other prominent stakeholders who contributed to regional unity were also remembered.

In conclusion, PANDEF reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government, the six state governments, traditional institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders.

The forum stressed that the development of the Niger Delta remained inseparable from Nigeria’s overall progress, urging authorities to translate policy commitments and announced projects into tangible benefits for the people.

The communiqué was signed by Obong Victor Attah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei Igali, National Chairman of PANDEF.