A Niger Delta group has renewed calls for the establishment of a dedicated board to manage the 13% derivation fund, insisting that proper oversight is necessary to ensure accountability and development in oil-producing communities.

The group made the demand while reacting to ongoing debates around resource control, revenue allocation, and development funding in the region.

According to the stakeholders, the creation of a formal board would help streamline the management of funds allocated to oil-producing states and ensure that the money directly benefits impacted communities.

They argued that despite years of derivation payments, many communities in the Niger Delta still face underdevelopment, environmental degradation, and inadequate infrastructure.

The group said a dedicated structure would improve transparency, reduce mismanagement, and guarantee equitable distribution of resources.

They also urged the Federal Government and National Assembly to prioritize legislation that would formalize the proposed board and define its responsibilities clearly.

Community leaders within the region have consistently pushed for stronger control over oil revenues, describing it as key to addressing long-standing grievances.

Analysts note that discussions around the 13% derivation fund remain a sensitive issue in Nigeria’s political and economic landscape, particularly in relation to federalism and resource ownership.

The group called for dialogue among stakeholders to ensure that any new framework reflects the interests of oil-producing communities.

The proposal is expected to generate further debate as policymakers continue reviewing fiscal arrangements in the petroleum sector.