Former federal legislator Farah Dagogo has accused governors in the Niger Delta of grossly mismanaging the 13% derivation funds, which are designated for the benefit of oil-producing communities.
In a statement released in Port Harcourt on Monday, Dagogo, who previously represented the Bonny-Degema Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, expressed serious concerns over the handling of these funds by successive governors. He emphasized that despite over ₦600 billion being disbursed in the first half of 2024 alone, the region’s living conditions remain dire.
Dagogo, a former gubernatorial candidate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, noted that the Niger Delta has received trillions of naira from the 13% derivation fund over the past 23 years. Yet, he pointed out that many communities still suffer from severe poverty, disease, and inadequate living conditions.
While acknowledging that the Federal Government has not fully met expectations, Dagogo praised its consistent increase in derivation allocations to the Niger Delta states. He provided specific figures for 2024, showing monthly disbursements ranging from ₦57.92 billion to ₦166.24 billion.
Dagogo argued that the governors’ mismanagement of these funds has led to widespread disillusionment, as the intended beneficiaries have seen little improvement in their circumstances. He accused the governors of treating the funds as “free money” for personal use, rather than addressing the critical infrastructural needs of the oil-producing communities.
He also highlighted ongoing conflicts between former governors and their successors, attributing these disputes to the mismanagement of the derivation funds. Dagogo called for a thorough investigation into how the funds have been spent, urging for greater transparency and accountability. However, he expressed skepticism that meaningful explanations would be forthcoming, citing the general apathy among the people due to prolonged deprivation.
