In a growing wave of criticism, former federal lawmaker Farah Dagogo has raised alarms about the mismanagement of the 13% derivation funds by governors in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region. These funds, intended for the development of oil-producing communities, have allegedly been diverted from their original purpose, leaving many communities in dire conditions despite receiving trillions of naira over the years.

Billions Allocated, Little to Show

Dagogo, who has been vocal about the issue, highlighted that the Niger Delta region has received substantial sums through the 13% derivation formula for over two decades. He emphasized that the funds, which are constitutionally allocated to assist oil-producing communities, have not been used effectively. In 2024 alone, over ₦600 billion was distributed to the nine Niger Delta states in just the first half of the year. Yet, according to Dagogo, the living conditions in these communities remain abysmal.

Breaking down the allocations, Dagogo noted that the federal government released ₦57.92 billion in January, which increased to ₦85.10 billion in February, and further surged to ₦166.24 billion in March. The trend continued with ₦90.12 billion, ₦120.45 billion, and ₦106.50 billion released in April, May, and June, respectively. Despite these substantial disbursements, the anticipated improvements in the living standards of the Niger Delta communities have not materialized.

Dagogo acknowledged the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining these funds but questioned the effectiveness of the governors in utilizing them. “These allocations demonstrate the Federal Government’s support, especially for oil-producing regions where the derivation funds are crucial for addressing unique challenges,” Dagogo remarked. However, he lamented that the funds are not reaching the intended beneficiaries.

Apathy and Mismanagement

Dagogo’s concerns extend beyond just the misuse of funds. He pointed out that the persistent failure of the state governments to deliver on their promises has bred a sense of apathy among the people of the Niger Delta. According to him, this apathy has allowed governors to continue mismanaging the funds without accountability. “The people have developed a subconscious apathy toward the massive funds being released,” Dagogo explained. “This situation benefits the governors, who treat these funds as free money rather than as a constitutional obligation to their communities.”

In his statement issued from Port Harcourt, Dagogo painted a bleak picture of the Niger Delta’s oil-producing communities. He described them as plagued by poverty, lacking basic infrastructure, and suffering from the effects of environmental degradation. “The 13% derivation is supposed to help these communities tackle infrastructural decay and degradation,” Dagogo stressed. “But instead, it’s being viewed by the governors as a windfall to be squandered.”

Dagogo’s critique also touched on the broader political implications of this mismanagement. He suggested that the ongoing disputes between former governors and their chosen successors in these states often stem from the desire to control these funds. “What we have are governors trying to impose their stooges to continue the lineage of plundering that fund,” he asserted. This power struggle, he argued, further diverts attention from the pressing needs of the communities.

Call for Accountability

The former lawmaker did not mince words when calling for greater scrutiny of how these funds are being utilized. He urged for investigations into the living conditions in the oil-producing areas, insisting that a closer look would reveal the stark contrast between the vast sums allocated and the reality on the ground. “Conduct an investigation into these areas, and you will weep when you see their abject living conditions compared to the funds allocated for them,” Dagogo urged.

He concluded by questioning the governors’ apparent indifference to the suffering of their people, accusing them of prioritizing personal gain over the development of their communities. “The governors would rather fill their pockets with the funds and live large than commit to the development of the communities,” he stated, underscoring the need for immediate action to rectify this situation.

As the Niger Delta continues to struggle with poverty and underdevelopment despite the flow of billions of naira into the region, Dagogo’s call for accountability resonates with the growing demands for transparency in the management of public funds. The future of the region, he implies, depends on a fundamental change in how these resources are managed.

Source: Vanguard