The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has called for an increase in the 13 percent derivation formula, arguing that oil-producing states, particularly in the Niger Delta, deserve a higher share of the nation’s oil revenues.
The council’s president, Dr. Theophilus Alaye, made the demand during a visit to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Alaye was speaking at the 26th anniversary of the Kaiama Declaration, a landmark document in the struggle for the rights of the Niger Delta people.
“It is wrong for the people of the Niger Delta, who lay the golden egg, to be given so little from their God-given resources,” Alaye said in his address. “We call for a true federalism to address the anomalies and mistreatment of the people of the Niger Delta region.”
The Struggle for Fair Resource Sharing
The IYC’s call for an upward review of the 13 percent derivation formula comes after decades of oil exploration in the Niger Delta. Despite contributing massively to Nigeria’s oil revenue, the region has long struggled with environmental degradation, lack of infrastructure, and underdevelopment.
The 13 percent derivation formula, established under the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, ensures that oil-producing states receive 13 percent of the country’s oil revenue. However, Ijaw youths argue that this amount is insufficient considering the massive contributions the region makes to Nigeria’s economy.
Alaye emphasized that oil and gas exploration activities in the Niger Delta have sustained Nigeria’s economy for decades. Yet, the region continues to face inadequate development and environmental devastation.
“The oil and gas exploration activities taking place in the Niger Delta have been sustaining the country, yet little is given to the people of the region,” Alaye said. “This is wrong, and it’s time the federal government addresses these issues fairly.”
The Case for True Federalism
In addition to demanding a higher share of the nation’s oil revenues, the IYC also called for the implementation of true federalism in Nigeria. The group believes that the current federal structure does not adequately address the needs of the Niger Delta or other regions that contribute to the country’s wealth.
Alaye pointed out that true federalism would allow for more autonomy and resource control for local communities, empowering them to develop their own regions based on their resources.
“A true federalism would give states the power to control their own resources and manage their affairs independently. This is what the people of the Niger Delta want,” Alaye stated. “We should not continue to be treated as second-class citizens in the country we help sustain.”
The Environmental Impact
One of the central points raised by Alaye was the severe environmental damage caused by decades of oil exploration in the Niger Delta. The region has suffered from oil spills, gas flaring, and pollution, which have affected local communities and their livelihoods.
Alaye emphasized that while the Niger Delta’s oil resources have enriched the country, the people of the region have paid a heavy price in environmental degradation. He called for the federal government to provide adequate compensation and environmental remediation to address the damage caused by oil exploration.
“As a people, we understand that our resources have been a contributory factor to the well-being of Nigeria,” Alaye said. “However, our environment has been severely contaminated, and it is high time the government takes action to clean up and restore our land and waters.”
Governor Fubara’s Response
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, who was present at the event, responded to the IYC’s demands with a message of unity and peace. While acknowledging the importance of the Kaiama Declaration and the contributions of the Ijaw people to Nigeria’s development, Fubara urged the youth to remain peaceful and law-abiding in their pursuit of justice.
“I feel very happy that you still appreciate the contributions of the late Isaac Adaka Boro, his sacrifices, and contributions to the Ijaw people,” Fubara said, referring to the prominent Ijaw leader and activist who fought for the rights of the Niger Delta. “The Kaiama Declaration and Isaac Boro Day are significant milestones in the history of the Ijaw people.”
