PANDEF Communique Issued At The End Of A Board Of Trustees Meeting

PANDEF: COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE PAN NIGER DELTA FORUM (PANDEF) HELD IN ABUJA AND VIRTUALLY ON

TUESDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2026

Attendance

1. The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, H.E. Obong Victor Attah, and the National Chairman of the National Executive Committee, Ambassador Dr. Godknows Igali, OON, alongside other members of the Board of Trustees, members of the National Executive Committee, and state chairmen.

2. The meeting brought together several former Governors, former Ministers, first-class traditional rulers, political leaders, opinion leaders, and other eminent stakeholders representing the six states of the South-South geopolitical zone: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers States.

3. The meeting paid tribute to the legacy of the founding fathers of PANDEF, who, ten years ago, brought together all the various organizations which exist in the region, such as South-South People’s Assembly, South-South Concert Assembly, South-South People’s Organization, South-South Council of Elders, TROMPCON, HOSTCOM, and all the different ethnic organizations under a single umbrella. This was a continuation of the efforts of our fathers under the Calabar-Ogoja Rivers (COR) Movement and the Movement for Creation of Midwest, all of which had existed in the First Republic.

4. In addition, special honour was paid to the memory of Chief Dr. E.K. Clark, OFR, CON, erstwhile leader, former Governor, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, who was the Pioneer National Chairman as well as His Excellency Senate President Joseph Wayas, His Excellency Chief Tony Anenih, CFR, His Excellency Chief Tonye Graham Douglas. In addition, tributes were paid to His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba Erediauwa 11, Oba of Benin, His Majesty King Dandelson Douglas Jaja, CFR, Amanyanabo of Opobo, His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli, Olu of Warri, His Highness Chief T.K. Okorotie, OFR, Gen. Paul Omu, Comrade Tony Uranta, Gen. Anthony Ukpong, Brig Gen Osaze Idada-Ikponmwen, Col Paul Ogbebor, Senator Inatimi Rufus-Spiff, OON, Chief A.K. Horsfall, OFR, Chief Dele Cole, CON and Princess Jane Peters, all of whom have gone to rest, but noted as brains behind this coming together once more of the South-South, leading to the formation of PANDEF.

Unity, Peace and Development of the South-South

5. The meeting reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the people of the South-South to unity, peace, stability, and the sustainable development of the Region. It emphasised the need for the people to remain focused on issues affecting their collective interests, particularly social development, infrastructural renewal, economic advancement, and the peaceful coexistence of the various ethnic nationalities.

6. The meeting further underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between PANDEF and all levels of leadership in the region, particularly the six State Governors, our Members of at the National Assembly, traditional rulers, our representatives in the Niger Delta, the business community, political leadership, and other critical stakeholders.

Review of PANDEF’s Achievements in the Past Ten Years

7. The meeting reviewed PANDEF’s activities over its first decade, including the implementation of its 16-point agenda, adopted and presented to former President Muhammadu Buhari on 1 November 2016.

8. The meeting noted that significant progress had been recorded in advancing the interests of the South-South. It reaffirmed PANDEF’s position as the umbrella socio-political organisation representing the collective aspirations of the people of the region and acknowledged its continued leadership in public advocacy, civic engagement, and constructive dialogue with the Federal Government.

9. Among the notable achievements and areas of sustained advocacy identified were:

i. The establishment of the South-South Development Commission.

ii. Continued advocacy for greater participation and representation of the South-South in the Oil and Gas industry.

iii. The commencement of activities at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State and upgrading of Maritime Academy, Oron, Akwa Ibom State.

iv. Sustained demands for accelerated infrastructural development, particularly the construction and rehabilitation of roads across the region, ports development.

v. Engagement with the Federal Government on the operationalization of the ports in the South-South.

vi. Engagement with the Federal Government on local ownership of security of oil and gas assets.

vii. Continued efforts to promote peaceful coexistence within, and among, the states of the South-South, particularly in political and inter-ethnic relations.

10. The meeting commended PANDEF’s leadership for its contributions towards restoring peace in Rivers State and acknowledged its continuing engagement efforts to facilitate the resolution of the dispute over oil wells between Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, as well as to promote improved inter-ethnic relations in Warri, Delta State.

Environmental Remediation and Restoration of the Niger Delta

11. The meeting reaffirmed that environmental protection and remediation will continue to remain at the forefront of PANDEF’s advocacy and engagement with the Federal Government.

12. The meeting observed that, after more than six decades of oil and gas exploration and production, communities throughout the Niger Delta continue to bear the consequences of environmental degradation, pollution, and damage to their ecosystems and livelihoods. Attention was called to the ongoing situation in Nembe Creek in Bayelsa State, Odidi in Delta State and Kula in Rivers State, all of which need urgent attention.

13. PANDEF therefore calls for adequate, sustained, and transparent funding of the Ogoni clean-up programme and urges the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive framework for replicating the remediation process across the wider Niger Delta.

14. The Forum further calls on all Presidential Candidates of the various political parties to demonstrate clear commitment to environmental justice of the Niger Delta by presenting practical, measurable, and time-bound plans for the clean-up, restoration, and sustainable development of affected communities.

Modernisation and Development of Seaports in the South-South

15. The meeting commended the decision of the President to modernise and upgrade the ports of Warri, Port Harcourt, and Calabar. It also welcomed the approvals for proposed deep-sea port projects in the region, including the Ibom Deep Sea Port in Akwa Ibom State, the Bonny Deep Sea Port in Rivers State, and the Agge Deep Sea Port in Bayelsa State.

16. It further noted that the strategic location of the region’s ports could strengthen trade links with East, Central, and Southern Africa and facilitate access to the Indian Ocean, while enabling Nigeria to benefit more fully from the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

17. PANDEF therefore urges the Federal Government to establish a sustainable financing framework for the South-South port projects, comparable to the financing arrangements adopted for major port infrastructure around the Lagos corridor.

The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway

18. The meeting noted the Federal Government’s decision to retain the original broad alignment of the 750 kilometres Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as a distinct legacy strategic infrastructure project, coming after the reported reconsideration of an earlier proposal to integrate the route into the East-West Road.

19. PANDEF recalls that the Coastal Highway has a long historical background, predating Nigeria’s independence, and has featured prominently in national discussions about the development, connectivity, and economic integration of the coastal communities of the Niger Delta.

20. The meeting also noted that relevant design work had since undertaken by the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which, along with relevant professionals from the area, could assist the Federal Ministry of Works in advancing the project and side by side the East-West Road and the other dilapidated roads in the area. PANDEF therefore decided to set up a high level technical committee to assist the Federal Ministry of Works for the road project.

21. The meeting discussed the rail connection of the region with the rest of the country and calls on the Federal Government to take necessary steps to establish appropriate North-South rail connection to link the region for the benefit of the people of the whole country.

22. PANDEF demands that the accelerated, successful completion of the highway is non-negotiable. Besides, it will boost connectivity across the coastal states, stimulate trade and investment, strengthen national integration, and unlock economic opportunities especially of the Blue and Marine resources throughout the Niger Delta and the wider Nigerian economy.

Increased Derivation for Oil-Producing Communities and Abolition of the Onshore/Offshore Dichotomy

23. The meeting noted that Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, provides for the allocation of not less than 13% of the revenue accruing directly from natural resources to the relevant states from which such resources are derived. The meeting observed that this provision has remained unchanged for over two decades, notwithstanding the enormous environmental degradation, ecological challenges, and developmental burdens borne by oil-producing communities across the Niger Delta.

24. PANDEF therefore calls for an increase in the derivation allocation from the current minimum of 13% to a minimum of 50%, to enable oil-producing communities and states to address the longstanding developmental deficits, environmental damage, health hazards and social and economic consequences of oil and gas exploration and production.

25. The meeting further calls on the Federal Government, the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), and the National Assembly to urgently address the longstanding and contentious issue of the onshore/offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation.

26. PANDEF observed that offshore oil and gas operations take place within the maritime environment and fishing grounds upon which coastal communities depend for their livelihoods. Consequently, oil spills and other incidents arising from offshore petroleum activities can have devastating effects on marine ecosystems, fishing activities, and the economic well-being of coastal populations, irrespective of whether the affected resources are located onshore or offshore.

27. PANDEF, therefore, calls on the National Assembly, in collaboration with the Federal Government and the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, to initiate urgently appropriate legislative and constitutional measures to abolish the onshore/offshore dichotomy in revenue allocation.

Gas Development, Gas-Based Industries and Power Generation

28. The meeting recalled PANDEF’s engagement with the Federal Government between 2016 and 2017 on gas development as a key component of its 16-point agenda. Noting that the Niger Delta holds over 209 trillion standard cubic feet of natural gas reserves, the meeting stressed the need for the Federal and State Governments to prioritise investment in the sector as a catalyst for national economic growth and regional development.

29. PANDEF therefore calls for accelerated development of gas infrastructure and gas-based industries, particularly power generation, mini-LNGs, LPG and CNG hubs, petrochemicals and other value-added industries, through strategic public- and private-sector investment. It emphasised that harnessing the region’s vast gas resources would promote industrialisation, improve electricity supply, create employment and enhance economic prosperity in the Niger Delta, indeed Nigeria as a whole.

Development of Modular Refineries

30. The meeting recalled that the development of modular refineries was among the important economic initiatives discussed between PANDEF and the Federal Government during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

31. It was envisaged that a dedicated Modular Refinery Development Fund would help mobilise the financing required to establish viable facilities and unlock the economic potential of the downstream petroleum sector.

32. PANDEF emphasises that modular refineries would complement, the efforts of the large-scale refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, the Port Harcourt Refinery, the Warri Refinery, the Kaduna Refinery, and other private-sector refining projects.

33. The Forum noted that a well-regulated modular refining industry could reduce dependence on imported petroleum products, support local enterprise, generate employment, and stimulate ancillary industries throughout the Niger Delta and nationally.

34. PANDEF therefore calls on the Federal Government to give renewed priority to modular refinery development and to establish an appropriate framework for financing, licensing, technical support, and environmental compliance to ensure the long-term viability of the initiative.

Agricultural Development and Value Addition

35. The meeting emphasised that agriculture represents one of the most promising opportunities for diversifying the Niger Delta’s economy and reducing its dependence on oil and gas revenues.

36. It observed that the region’s rainfall, water resources, ecological diversity, and agricultural potential provide favourable conditions for the development of a broad range of agricultural value chains. With appropriate investment in infrastructure, technology, processing, and market access, the Niger Delta will become a major contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural production and food security.

37. The meeting identified palm oil, rice, cassava, vegetables, horticultural products, and other crops suited to the region’s ecological conditions as priority areas for agricultural investment and value addition.

38. The meeting therefore calls on the Federal and the six State Governments to formulate and implement a coordinated agricultural development programme that takes advantage of the region’s ecological conditions and comparative advantages.

39. Such programmes should prioritise improved seedlings, mechanisation, irrigation and water management where appropriate, rural roads, storage facilities, agro-processing industries, access to affordable financing, extension services, and reliable markets for farmers.

40. PANDEF therefore calls for agriculture to become a central pillar of the Niger Delta’s economic diversification strategy, with the objective of transforming the region’s natural endowments into sustainable prosperity for its people and increased economic value for Nigeria as a whole.

A South-South Investment Fund and the Future of PANDEF

41. The Forum expressed its intention to explore the establishment of a regional investment fund capable of pooling resources from individuals, businesses, institutions, and other stakeholders from the South-South, and beyond.

42. The proposed market based fund would support investment in critical economic sectors within the region and promote interconnectivity, enterprise development, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.

43. The meeting resolved that the Forum should continue to engage relevant stakeholders, especially in the private sector towards developing a practical framework for this initiative.

The State of the Nation and the 2027 General Elections

44. The meeting expressed concern over the state of the nation and emphasised the imperative of peace, security, national cohesion, and responsible governance as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

45. PANDEF calls on the people of the South-South to exercise their civic responsibilities peacefully and vote according to their conscience, choosing candidates at all levels whose programmes, commitments, and demonstrated capacity align with the aspirations of the region and who can contribute meaningfully to the peace, progress, and development of the Niger Delta.

Conclusion

46. The meeting reiterated PANDEF’s commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government, the six State Governments, traditional institutions, the private sector, and other stakeholders in pursuit of the peace, unity, security, and sustainable development of the Niger Delta.

47. PANDEF calls on sons and daughters of the Niger Delta who are holding public office, especially at the level of the Federal Government to show more commitment and interest in the activities of the organisation that are focused on uniting our people and advancing the cause of the Niger Delta.

48. The Forum reaffirmed that the development of the Niger Delta is inseparable from the development of Nigeria and urged all relevant authorities to translate policy commitments and announced projects into tangible outcomes for the country.

Issued in Abuja on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.

PAN NIGER DELTA FORUM (PANDEF)

SIGNED:

H.E, Obong (Arc) Victor Attah,
Chairman, Board of Trustees.

H.E, Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman