“Stop Paying 13% Oil Derivation to State Governments”, MULADE Tells TINUBU
*Renowned Niger-Delta Activist Urges FGN to Channel Funds To Mega Projects in Oil Bearing Communities in the Niger-Delta
*”13% Derivation Funds Meant for Niger-Delta, Oil Bearing Communities Development Under-utulized by State Governments”, Mulade Tells Tinubu
By Victor Bieni, Asaba
Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, Renowned Niger-Delta Environmental and Human Rights Activist, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to halt the current practice of paying the 13 per cent oil derivation funds directly to oil-producing state governments.
The renowned Niger-Delta Activist, Chief Mulade stated that the advocacy is necessitated to ensure that the 13% derivation funds us channelled into federally coordinated mega development projects across the Niger Delta Communities to promote sustainable and socio-economic development.
Delta Uhuru Media (News Online) learnt this from Chief Mulade who is the Ibe-Serimoowei of oil rich ancient Gbaramtu Kingdom in Delta State in a press statement today being Wednesday, January 7, 2026, which was made available to Journalists in Asaba, Delta State Capital as he argued that the existing system has failed to deliver meaningful development to oil-bearing communities in Niger-Delta Communities.
According to Mulade, “the failure for full utilization of the 13% derivation funds is largely due to corruption, mismanagement, and diversion of funds by some state governments”.
The release by Comrade Ambassador Chief Sheriff Mulade Ph.D reads in part: “Despite trillions of naira disbursed as derivation funds over the years, many Niger Delta communities remain plagued by poverty, environmental degradation, unemployment, and lack of basic infrastructure”.
“The 13 percent 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 the ordinary people in the creeks and host communities.”
“Therefore, I urge President Tinubu to adopt a bold policy shift by redirecting the 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”.
“My suggestion is this: Government 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”
“No doubt, insecurity, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism in the region are closely linked to underdevelopment and neglect. However, strategic investment in infrastructure and human capital would significantly reduce restiveness and criminality”.
“Also, I call on the National Assembly to support constitutional and policy reforms that would allow for more effective utilisation of derivation funds in the interest of oil-bearing communities”.
“I have confidence that President Tinubu’s administration, if guided by transparency and political will, could redefine Niger Delta’s development and restore public trust in the management of oil revenues”.