WARRI/Nigeria: Renowned Niger Delta environmental and human rights activist, Mulade Sheriff, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to halt the current practice of paying the 13 per cent oil derivation funds directly to oil-producing state governments, urging instead that the funds be redirected into federally coordinated mega development projects across the Niger Delta.
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 framework has failed to deliver meaningful development to oil-bearing communities, blaming corruption, mismanagement and diversion of funds by some state governments for the persistent underdevelopment in the region.
According to him, despite trillions of naira disbursed over the years as derivation funds, many Niger Delta communities continue to grapple with poverty, unemployment, environmental degradation and a glaring lack 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,” 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 initiate a bold policy shift by channeling derivation funds into well-structured, transparent and independently monitored mega projects, particularly in critical sectors such as coastal protection, environmental remediation, roads, bridges, healthcare, education and youth employment.
The activist proposed that such projects should be implemented through special-purpose development frameworks with strong community participation, credible oversight mechanisms and clear performance benchmarks to ensure accountability and 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, we should invest in visible, life-changing projects that will stand the test of time and create sustainable employment opportunities for our youths.”
Mulade further linked insecurity, oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region to long-standing neglect and underdevelopment, noting that strategic investment in infrastructure and human capital would significantly reduce restiveness and criminal activities.
He also called on the National Assembly to support constitutional and policy reforms that would enable more effective utilisation of derivation funds in the interest of oil-bearing communities.
Expressing optimism, Mulade said that with transparency, accountability and strong political will, the Tinubu administration could redefine development in the Niger Delta and restore public trust in the management of the nation’s oil revenues.
