Toba Owojaiye reporting
Minna, Niger state
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has taken a bold step by issuing a strong ultimatum to the Nigerian federal government, insisting on a 13% derivation from oil revenue, similar to what oil-producing states enjoy.
He has gone so far as to threaten the shutdown of the Kainji Dam and other national power infrastructure that supply electricity to the Delta region if his demands are not met.
During a meeting with the federal commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijani Aliyu, Governor Bago firmly conveyed his stance.
He argued that the 13% derivation fund, which is typically calculated based on resources from the land, water, air, and other assets in Niger State, should be extended to his region.
He stated, “We will take the federal government to the Supreme Court unless the 13% derivation from our land, water, air, grass, and everything given to us is paid. We need 13% derivation for water supplied to the Delta. Our people are ravaged and displaced year in, year out because of the flow of water from the Niger to the Delta.”
Governor Bago didn’t stop there; he emphasized the need for compensation, stating, “The federal government will pay Niger State N1 trillion in the next three months for hydrocarbon exchange; they must. We have provided this country with hydropower for a long time; nobody is compensating us for it.”
He extended his demands to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, stressing that they must pay Niger State for their utilization of hydrocarbon exchange from the region. He firmly declared, “The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company must pay us; they have consumed from Niger State’s hydrocarbon exchange, and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation must pay us.
We have woken up; we can never tolerate being neglected or abandoned again. The only way we can ensure that the federal government heeds to us is to shut down the hydro dams unless we are paid.”
Governor Bago’s resolve is unwavering, and he reiterated his determination to secure the compensation that Niger State rightfully deserves. He stated, “We are serious about this. It is not a threat; it is a statement. Every dime that is due to us, we will take it. We will take every kobo that is for Niger State. We are not going to be marginalized again; our waters, our lands, our borders are strengths for us and not weaknesses.”
The governor’s firm stance underscores the increasing demands of Niger State for fair compensation and recognition of its contributions to the nation’s resources.
The outcome of this situation will be closely monitored, as it could have far-reaching implications for the equitable distribution of oil revenue and resources in Nigeria. In the words of Governor Bago, “Every dime that is due to us, we will take it,” and this could reshape the dynamics of resource allocation in the country.