EBENEZER ADUROKIYA, Warri
Prominent Niger Delta environmental and human rights advocate, Chief Sheriff Mulade, PhD, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to discontinue the direct payment of the 13 per cent oil derivation funds to oil-producing state governments, calling for the resources to be redirected into centrally coordinated mega development projects across the Niger Delta.
Chief Mulade, the Ibe-Serimoowei of the oil-rich ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, made the appeal in a statement released on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, insisting that the present system has failed to deliver tangible development to oil-producing communities due to corruption, poor management and diversion of funds by some state administrations.
He lamented that despite trillions of naira released to states as derivation funds over the years, many Niger Delta communities are still mired in poverty, environmental pollution, joblessness and a severe lack of basic social amenities.
“The 13 per cent derivation fund was meant to serve as a catalyst for development in oil-bearing areas, but that purpose has been undermined,” Chief Mulade said.
“Today, what we witness is widespread diversion and misappropriation of these funds, with little evidence of positive impact in the creeks and host communities.”
The activist called on President Tinubu to initiate a decisive policy reform by channeling derivation funds into transparent, independently supervised mega projects focused on critical sectors such as coastal defence, environmental clean-up, road and bridge construction, healthcare delivery, education and youth empowerment.
He further suggested that the projects be implemented through special-purpose development structures that guarantee community involvement, strict oversight and measurable performance standards to ensure accountability and effective use of public resources.
“This government has a rare opportunity to address years of neglect and wastage in the Niger Delta,” he added. “Instead of disbursing funds that end up in private hands, we should prioritise lasting projects that can transform lives and provide sustainable employment for young people.”
Chief Mulade also linked the persistent challenges of insecurity, oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region to chronic underdevelopment, arguing that deliberate investment in infrastructure and human capacity would help curb unrest and criminal activities.
He urged the National Assembly to back constitutional and policy amendments that would allow derivation funds to be utilised more effectively for the benefit of oil-producing communities.
Expressing optimism, Chief Mulade said that with transparency and firm political will, President Tinubu’s administration could reshape the Niger Delta’s development trajectory and rebuild public confidence in the management of the nation’s oil wealth.
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