The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comrade (Chief) Sheriff Mulade Ph.D, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “to adopt a bold policy shift” on the 13 per cent derivation funds by redirecting the payment of the funds from state governments into federally coordinated mega development projects across the Niger Delta region.

“The 13 percent derivation fund was designed to bring development and relief to oil-producing communities, but sadly, that objective has been largely defeated,” Chief Mulade argued on one of the reasons for the recent call on Wednesday January 7, 2026.

Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimoowei of the oil rich and ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West council area of Delta State, noted that the existing system has failed to deliver meaningful development to oil-bearing communities, largely due to corruption, mismanagement, and diversion of funds by some state governments.

“What we see today is massive diversion, mismanagement and misappropriation of oil derivation funds, with little or no impact on the lives of the ordinary people in the creeks and host communities,” the peace ambassador further alleged.

He suggested that the funds should be channeled for impact to well-structured, transparent, and independently monitored mega projects, particularly in critical areas such as coastal protection, environmental remediation, roads, bridges, healthcare, education, and youth employment.

He suggested that such projects should be executed through special-purpose development frameworks with strong community participation, credible oversight mechanisms, and clear performance benchmarks to ensure value for money.

“This administration has a historic opportunity to correct decades of injustice and waste in the Niger Delta,” mulade said in reference to the Tinubu government.

“Rather than sharing money that disappears into private pockets, let us invest in visible, life-changing projects that will stand the test of time and create employment opportunities for the youths,” the CEPEJ Boss advocated.

He further noted that insecurity, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism in the region are closely linked to underdevelopment and neglect, stressing that strategic investment in infrastructure and human capital would significantly reduce restiveness and criminality.

Mulade also called on the National Assembly to support constitutional and policy reforms that would allow for more effective utilisation of derivation funds in the interest of oil-bearing communities.

He expressed confidence that Tinubu’s administration, if guided by transparency and political will, could redefine Niger Delta's development and restore public trust in the management of oil revenues.

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