Kanu Agabi, PANDEF Seek Derivation Increase To 25%, Back State Police

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), alongside the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has called on the Federal Government to urgently review and increase the 13 per cent derivation fund to 25 per cent, describing the current allocation as grossly inadequate.

Agabi made the call yesterday in Abuja while addressing journalists ahead of a convergence meeting of PANDEF’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter. He decried the worsening environmental degradation and economic hardship in the Niger Delta, stressing that the current derivation formula no longer reflects present realities.

According to him, an upward review is long overdue and necessary to ensure the sustainability of the oil-producing region.

“Our responsibility is unquantified. Our people must not become beggars in any part of this country,” Agabi said, emphasizing the need for sustainable policies, self-reliance, and stronger federal intervention.

He noted that the 13 per cent derivation, introduced in the 1999 Constitution as a minimum, has remained unchanged for over two decades despite increasing environmental challenges.

“The military government that instituted the 13 per cent clearly stated it was a minimum. More than 27 years later, it is unfortunate that the nation has not deemed it necessary to increase it, even though the problems of the Niger Delta are far worse today,” he said.

Agabi warned that failure to urgently address environmental degradation in the region could have dire consequences.

“If we don’t act quickly, in a few years there may be no Niger Delta,” he cautioned, while urging the President, National Assembly, and relevant agencies to take immediate steps to review the derivation formula.

When asked what percentage he would recommend, Agabi said, “I will demand an increase to 25 per cent. It will help compensate for the injustice of the past.”

Supporting this position, former Military Administrator of Adamawa and Cross River states, AVM Gregory Agboneni, stated that whenever the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) undertakes a review, the derivation should be pegged at 25 per cent.

In his remarks, Chairman of PANDEF’s FCT Chapter, Chief Premier Bello, also advocated key structural reforms, including the establishment of state police and the restructuring of Nigeria’s governance system.

He further called on political parties to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South in the interest of equity and national unity.

“It is the resolve of our leaders that the Southern part of Nigeria should produce the next president until 2031. All political parties should zone their presidential tickets accordingly,” Bello said.

He noted that the ruling party has shown some commitment in that direction and urged others to follow suit “for the sake of equity, justice and peace.”

On security, Bello commended the efforts of the armed forces but stressed the urgent need for the creation of state police, describing it as long overdue.

He also criticized the continued amnesty and reintegration of terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements into society.

On restructuring, Bello urged the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to revisit the issue, describing it as critical to Nigeria’s progress.

“Restructuring remains the most pragmatic path to reposition Nigeria for sustainable development and global competitiveness. Our reference point is the 2014 National Conference,” he said.