Former federal lawmaker Farah Dagogo has expressed serious concerns over the management of the 13% derivation funds allocated to the nine Niger Delta states. These funds, which are intended to support oil-producing communities, have been reportedly mismanaged by the regional governors, according to Dagogo.
In a statement issued from Port Harcourt on Monday, Dagogo criticized the governors for failing to improve the conditions in the oil-producing areas despite the significant financial allocations. The statement, signed by Dagogo’s media aide Ibrahim Lawal, highlighted that the Niger Delta region has received trillions of naira over the past 23 years through the 13% derivation funds.
Dagogo noted that over N600 billion of this amount has been disbursed in the first half of 2024 alone. Despite these substantial allocations, he accused successive governors of neglecting the welfare of the communities, where residents continue to suffer from extreme poverty, inadequate healthcare, and poor living conditions.
While acknowledging that the Federal Government has consistently increased the derivation funds, Dagogo criticized the governors for their ineffective use of these resources. He emphasized that, despite the Federal Government’s efforts to support the region, the lack of proper utilization has led to a “subconscious apathy” among the people towards the funds.
Dagogo explained that the 13% derivation funds are intended to address infrastructural decay and support the development of oil-producing communities. He lamented that, instead of being used for their intended purpose, the funds are often mismanaged, leading to worsening conditions in these areas. He accused the governors of treating the funds as “free monies” rather than as crucial resources for community development.
The former lawmaker further criticized the pattern of infighting among former governors and their successors, which he believes has contributed to the mismanagement of the funds. He called for a thorough investigation into the use of the derivation funds, questioning why the governors have been indifferent to the plight of the communities they are supposed to serve.
Dagogo concluded his statement with a call for accountability and transparency, expressing hope that the current governors will rectify past mistakes and properly manage the revenues for the benefit of the oil-producing communities. He urged for an explanation of how the funds have been expended and stressed the need for action to correct the ongoing issues.
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