Kanu Agabi, PANDEF demand 25% derivation, State Police, Southern presidency
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By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — Former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), alongside the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), has urged the Federal Government to increase the current 13% derivation to 25%, describing the present rate as “grossly inadequate” to address the environmental and economic challenges facing Niger Delta communities.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja ahead of a PANDEF convergence meeting for the FCT chapter, Agabi highlighted the ongoing devastation in the region, emphasizing that the increase is long overdue to ensure the survival and development of the Niger Delta. He said the move would help compensate for decades of neglect, urging sustainable policies, self-reliance, and stronger federal support for the region.
Former Military Administrator AVM Gregory Agboneni supported Agabi’s call, noting that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) should peg derivation at 25% in any upcoming review. Agabi further stressed that while the 13% minimum was a constitutional provision by the Federal Military Government in 1999, the scale of environmental degradation and revenue generated from the region now warrants a substantial increase.
PANDEF FCT Chairman, Chief Premier Bello, also made a case for urgent security reforms, including the establishment of State Police, and called for the restructuring of the Nigerian state to enhance governance. He further urged political parties to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, arguing that Southern leadership in the next election cycle would promote equity, justice, and national peace.
Bello said, “While commending the efforts of our armed forces in tackling insecurity, the government should prioritise State Police, which is long overdue. We oppose continued amnesty and reintegration of terrorists, bandits, and Boko Haram operatives into communities.” On restructuring, he added, “The agenda of restructuring remains the most pragmatic policy to move Nigeria forward and ensure its competitiveness globally, with the 2014 National Confab serving as our reference point.”
Agabi concluded by thanking Niger Delta residents for their patience, stressing that prompt government action is needed before the region suffers irreparable losses.
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