Activist Urges Tinubu to Overhaul 13% Derivation Fund System

A Niger Delta activist, Chief Mulade Sheriff, has renewed calls for reforms in the management of the 13 per cent oil derivation funds, urging President Bola Tinubu to end what he termed an ineffective system.

He said oil-producing communities continue to suffer neglect, environmental damage and lack of basic infrastructure despite huge sums allocated to state governments over the years as derivation funds.

In a statement issued on January 7, 2026, Chief Mulade advocated a new disbursement framework that would channel the funds into transparently managed, federally coordinated development projects across the Niger Delta. He said focus areas should include environmental cleanup, coastal protection, roads, healthcare, education and youth empowerment.

The activist also called on the National Assembly to support constitutional and policy reforms that would ensure oil-bearing communities directly benefit from derivation funds, adding that sustained development would help reduce insecurity and oil-related crimes in the region.