The Niger Delta Civil Society Forum has appealed to President Tinubu for an executive order to address issues related to the implementation of the 13% Derivation Fund in Nigeria, claiming it is unconstitutional and detrimental to oil-producing communities.
The Niger Delta Civil Society Forum, a socio-political group from the South-South region of Nigeria, has sent an open letter to President Bola Tinubu voicing concerns over the alleged unconstitutional implementation of the 13% Derivation Fund, which is intended to support oil-producing communities. The group argues that the current management of this fund undermines the constitutional rights guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution, particularly concerning the governance and distribution of resources derived from oil and gas production. They emphasize the need for this fund to be appropriately allocated to benefit the people living in oil-producing states, as it is an essential part of the region’s economic survival.
In their letter, the group, led by Coordinator Ezekiel Kagbala, warns that the existing practice of administering the 13% Derivation Fund is discriminatory against the Niger Delta communities, thereby breaching the constitutional provisions regarding the management of natural resources. They claim this exploitation and lack of adequate representation and compensation are part of a broader pattern of neglect and injustice towards the peoples of the Niger Delta, who are significantly impacted by oil exploration and its associated environmental effects. This situation has sparked frustrations and calls for a reassessment and reform of how oil revenues are managed and shared among the regions.
The forum's appeal is rooted in a desire to promote constitutionalism and justice, highlighting the legal obligations of the government to rectify these issues through executive action. They believe that President Tinubu has the opportunity to correct historical inequities by issuing an executive order that would enforce a fair application of the 13% Derivation Fund and ensure that funds reach the intended recipients. As Nigeria continues to grapple with governance and resource allocation challenges, the outcome of this appeal could hold significant implications for the political and economic landscape of the Niger Delta region.
