Renowned Niger Delta environmental and human rights activist, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to suspend the direct payment of the 13 per cent oil derivation funds to oil-producing state governments, insisting that the current system has failed to deliver tangible development to host communities.
Chief Mulade, 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 years of alleged corruption, mismanagement, and diversion of derivation funds by some state governments have undermined the purpose for which the funds were created.
According to him, despite trillions of naira reportedly disbursed as derivation funds over the decades, many Niger Delta communities remain trapped in poverty, environmental degradation, unemployment, and severe infrastructure deficits.
“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.”
The activist urged President Tinubu to consider a major policy shift by redirecting the funds into federally coordinated, transparent, and independently monitored mega development projects across the Niger Delta.
He identified critical areas such as coastal protection, environmental remediation, road and bridge construction, healthcare, education, and youth employment as priority sectors.
Chief Mulade further proposed that such projects be implemented through special-purpose development frameworks with strong community participation, credible oversight mechanisms, and clearly defined performance benchmarks to guarantee 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 can endure and provide sustainable employment for our youths.”
He also linked persistent insecurity, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism in the region to long-standing underdevelopment and neglect, arguing that strategic investment in infrastructure and human capital would significantly reduce restiveness and criminal activities.
Chief Mulade called on the National Assembly to support constitutional and policy reforms aimed at ensuring more effective utilisation of derivation funds in the interest of oil-bearing communities.
He expressed optimism that, with transparency and political will, the Tinubu administration could redefine Niger Delta development and rebuild public confidence in the management of oil revenues.
