Kanu Agabi and PANDEF urge 25% revenue allocation, regional law enforcement, and a Southern Nigerian president

Chief Kanu Agabi, the former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, has joined forces with the Pan Niger Delta Forum to push for a significant boost in the derivation percentage, from the current 13% to 25%, citing the existing rate as woefully insufficient to tackle the myriad environmental and economic woes plaguing Niger Delta communities.

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This call to action was made on Thursday in Abuja, on the eve of a PANDEF convergence meeting for the FCT chapter, with Agabi underscoring the urgent need for increased federal support to mitigate the devastating impact of neglect and environmental degradation in the region.

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Agabi's plea for a derivation hike is motivated by a desire to compensate for decades of neglect and ensure the region's survival and development, through a combination of sustainable policies, self-reliance, and robust federal backing.

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AVM Gregory Agboneni, a former Military Administrator, has thrown his weight behind Agabi's proposal, advocating for the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission to set the derivation percentage at 25% in any forthcoming review.

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Agabi has also pointed out that while the 13% minimum is enshrined in the constitution, courtesy of the Federal Military Government in 1999, the sheer scale of environmental degradation and revenue generated from the region warrants a substantial increase in the derivation percentage.

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PANDEF FCT Chairman, Chief Premier Bello, has made a strong case for sweeping security reforms, including the establishment of State Police, and has called for a radical overhaul of the Nigerian state to enhance governance.

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Bello has also urged political parties to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, arguing that Southern leadership in the next election cycle would be a major step towards promoting equity, justice, and national peace.

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In a statement, Bello commended the efforts of the armed forces in tackling insecurity, while emphasizing the need for the government to prioritize the establishment of State Police, a move he described as long overdue.

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Bello further expressed his opposition to the continued amnesty and reintegration of terrorists, bandits, and Boko Haram operatives into communities, citing the need for a more effective approach to addressing insecurity.

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On the issue of restructuring, Bello noted that it remains the most pragmatic policy for driving Nigeria forward and ensuring its global competitiveness, with the 2014 National Confab serving as a key reference point.

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Agabi concluded his remarks by expressing gratitude to Niger Delta residents for their patience and restraint, while stressing the need for prompt government action to prevent the region from suffering irreparable losses.