Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund
A coalition of civil society organisations under the Niger Delta Civil Society Forum has renewed pressure on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene decisively in the administration of Nigeria’s 13 percent derivation fund, arguing that oil-producing host communities remain marginalised despite generating the bulk of the country’s wealth.
Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund, asserting that the President possesses constitutional authority to restructure how derivation funds are implemented, monitored, and distributed. The group argued that oil and gas resources fall under the Exclusive Legislative List, giving the President power to act through executive orders to correct perceived injustices in fund allocation. 
The forum said it had formally written to the Presidency and relevant federal institutions, including the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), urging immediate corrective measures to ensure transparency and fairness in the derivation framework.
Understanding the 13% derivation fund and its constitutional basis
To appreciate why the Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund, it is important to understand the constitutional origin and purpose of the derivation principle.
The derivation fund was created to compensate oil-producing regions for environmental damage, loss of livelihoods, and socio-economic disruption caused by oil exploration activities. 
Under Nigeria’s revenue allocation formula, oil-producing states currently receive 13 percent of oil revenue derived from their territories. The policy is rooted in the constitutional recognition that natural resource-producing communities deserve compensation and development support.
The Niger Delta Civil Society Forum argues, however, that the original intent of the derivation fund has been undermined by structural flaws in its implementation.
Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund, insisting that the fund should directly benefit oil-bearing communities rather than being absorbed entirely by state governments.
Group claims current system excludes host communities
According to the forum, host communities in oil-producing states such as Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Ondo, and Cross River continue to suffer environmental degradation, poverty, and infrastructural neglect despite contributing the majority of Nigeria’s oil revenue. 
Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund, arguing that the present system contradicts the constitutional purpose of derivation, which was designed as restitution for affected communities.
The group emphasised that oil-producing communities remain economically disadvantaged even as billions of naira flow into state government accounts.
It described the situation as a structural injustice requiring urgent presidential intervention.
Historical precedents cited to support executive intervention
The forum cited historical precedents where federal authorities established special structures to oversee derivation fund implementation.
According to the group, previous administrations created dedicated institutions and monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability and direct community benefit from derivation funds. 
These included presidential monitoring committees and specialised development agencies designed to oversee resource allocation and development projects.
Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund, arguing that restoring such mechanisms would improve transparency and ensure funds reach intended beneficiaries.
Demand for structural reforms and monitoring framework
One of the key recommendations made by the civil society group is the establishment of dedicated derivation fund structures in oil-producing states.
These structures would include presidential monitoring committees tasked with ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective utilisation of derivation funds. 
The group also proposed independent oversight mechanisms to prevent mismanagement and ensure direct community impact.
Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund, presenting executive action as the fastest and most effective solution to longstanding structural challenges.
https://ogelenews.ng/niger-delta-group-urges-tinubu
Broader political and economic implications
The demand reflects longstanding tensions in the Niger Delta over resource control, revenue allocation, and development disparities.
The Niger Delta region produces the majority of Nigeria’s oil, which accounts for approximately 80 percent of the country’s export earnings. 
Despite this economic significance, many host communities continue to face poverty, environmental damage, and limited infrastructure.
Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund, framing the issue as both a constitutional matter and a moral imperative.
The group warned that continued marginalisation of host communities could deepen social tensions and undermine national stability.
Experts emphasise importance of derivation fund reforms
Public policy analysts note that the derivation fund plays a critical role in Nigeria’s federal revenue structure.
The fund is intended to support development projects such as roads, healthcare facilities, education, environmental remediation, and economic empowerment programmes. 
However, implementation challenges have limited its effectiveness in achieving these goals.
Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund, highlighting the need for stronger governance structures to ensure accountability.
Political pressure builds on federal government
The renewed demand for executive intervention reflects growing political pressure on the federal government to address resource allocation concerns.
Civil society groups argue that executive action could restore public confidence and promote equity.
Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund, positioning the President as a key decision-maker capable of resolving longstanding disputes.
The group framed executive intervention as essential for restoring fairness, justice, and sustainable development in oil-producing communities.
Implications for Nigeria’s resource governance
The debate over derivation funds highlights broader questions about resource governance, federalism, and economic justice.
Nigeria’s federal structure relies heavily on revenue from oil-producing regions, making equitable resource distribution critical for national stability.
Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund, and the outcome of this demand could shape Nigeria’s fiscal governance and regional development policies.
Executive intervention could potentially transform how resource wealth is managed and distributed.
Conclusion: Presidential decision could reshape derivation fund system
Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund, underscoring the urgency of addressing structural inequalities in resource allocation.
The civil society forum’s demand reflects longstanding concerns about fairness, accountability, and development in Nigeria’s oil-producing communities.
Whether the President responds with executive action remains uncertain, but the debate highlights fundamental questions about resource justice and governance.
Ultimately, the resolution of the derivation fund controversy will play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s economic equity, political stability, and development trajectory.
Niger Delta group urges Tinubu to issue executive order on 13% derivation fund, placing the issue firmly at the centre of Nigeria’s national discourse on resource control and economic justice.
https://punchng.com/niger-delta-group-urges-tinubu-to-issue-executive-order-on-13-derivation-fund
