The Initiative for Social Rights Concerns and Advancement (ISRCA), also known as No Justice, No Peace, has reminded the Delta State Government that the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) is legally entitled to receive 50 percent of the state’s 13 percent oil derivation fund.
According to the group, the allocation is meant for the rehabilitation and development of oil-producing communities and for the execution of projects designed to improve the lives of residents in those areas.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade (Amb.) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, commented on the state government’s recent approval of ₦8.4 billion to settle outstanding debts owed to DESOPADEC contractors.
Agberen, however, expressed concern about what he described as possible mismanagement of public funds by some members of the DESOPADEC board. He said there is growing unease among oil-producing communities and the general public about how the commission’s funds are being utilized.
“Many of the projects reportedly financed by the commission are not visible on the ground,” Agberen said. “People cannot verify the status or impact of most projects said to have been executed during the last administration.”
He questioned whether the 13 percent derivation funds have been used for their intended purpose, given the substantial revenue Delta receives each year and the large sum recently approved for DESOPADEC’s contractor payments.
“It is fair to ask if the previous administration under Senator Ifeanyi Okowa used the derivation funds judiciously,” he added.
Agberen argued that a lack of transparency and accountability in the management of these funds is one of the reasons oil-producing communities are calling for direct allocation of derivation funds to the host communities themselves. He lamented that, apart from a few notable exceptions, DESOPADEC has failed to make significant progress since its establishment, with many projects existing only on paper or in press statements.
He further criticized the commission for abandoning one of its core objectives youth empowerment through skills training and self-employment in oil-producing communities.
“DESOPADEC was created to empower young people, reduce crime, and promote self-reliance,” Agberen noted. “But instead, many youths in oil host areas have turned to drug abuse and prostitution because of unemployment. The commission’s resources should be used to engage them productively.”
Agberen also expressed disappointment that despite the state’s significant oil revenue, Delta has yet to establish any viable industries or revive defunct state-owned factories. He argued that this failure has deprived many indigenous residents of economic opportunities.
“Any government that truly seeks sustainable growth must invest in industries that promote self-sufficiency,” he said. “Delta has one of the most favorable environments for productivity and remains a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas economy, yet development has not matched the state’s financial capacity.”
He added that the level of infrastructural and industrial progress in Delta is not commensurate with the enormous allocations it receives from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
Agberen urged the government to move beyond short-term infrastructure projects and politically motivated empowerment programs.
“As an oil-rich state, Delta should focus on long-term industrial development that creates jobs and builds a stronger economy beyond the lifespan of any administration,” he said.
He called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to take a closer look at the issues affecting oil-producing communities and ensure that they receive the benefits due to them from the resources extracted from their land.
“At a time when so many young people are struggling to find meaningful employment, the state must ensure that these communities are not left behind,” Agberen concluded.
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