By Jimitota Onoyume 

A civil society organisation, the Niger Delta Civil Society Forum (NDCSF), has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider measures that would ensure oil-producing communities benefit more directly from revenues generated through gas flaring penalties and the constitutional derivation fund.

The group made the appeal in a statement issued by its Coordinator, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala, who said communities in the Niger Delta continue to face environmental and developmental challenges associated with oil and gas activities and should receive greater support from funds linked to resource extraction.

Kagbala argued that the current framework, under which gas flaring penalties are paid into the Federation Account and subsequently distributed among the three tiers of government, does not sufficiently address the needs of host communities.

According to him, “Oil-producing communities bear the environmental impact of oil and gas operations and should benefit more directly from funds intended to address those challenges.”

The NDCSF also urged the Federal Government to review the administration of the 13 per cent derivation fund, which is allocated to oil-producing states under the Constitution, to ensure that host communities experience tangible improvements in infrastructure and social services.

The group noted that President Tinubu had, in February 2026, issued an Executive Order directing the remittance of oil and gas revenues into the Federation Account. It said further efforts could be made to strengthen mechanisms that ensure benefits reach communities affected by resource extraction.

Kagbala disclosed that the organisation has submitted proposals to the National Assembly advocating reforms in resource allocation and community development.

“We believe there is a need for stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure that revenues generated from oil and gas activities translate into visible development in host communities,” he said.

The NDCSF proposed the establishment of a Presidential Monitoring Committee and a Derivation Fund Management Board to oversee the utilisation of derivation-related revenues and promote transparency.

The group also called on the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to review existing arrangements governing the administration of derivation funds and gas flaring penalty revenues.

According to the forum, many oil-producing communities continue to face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, poor road networks and environmental concerns despite years of resource extraction.

“Communities in the Niger Delta still require significant investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education and environmental remediation,” Kagbala said.

The organisation further urged public officials and lawmakers to visit oil-producing areas to gain firsthand insight into the conditions in many host communities.

“Engagement with local communities will help policymakers better understand the developmental priorities of the people and design solutions that address their needs,” he added.

The NDCSF also referenced the Host Community Development Trust Fund established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), noting that while the initiative is important, continued efforts are needed to ensure that constitutional and statutory provisions work together to improve living conditions in oil-producing areas.

The group stressed the importance of sustaining peace, development and economic inclusion in the Niger Delta, saying that stronger collaboration among government agencies, communities and industry stakeholders would help promote long-term growth in the region.

“The people living in oil-producing areas should see measurable improvements in their quality of life. Ensuring that development reaches these communities will contribute to stability, economic growth and national progress,” Kagbala said.