78% North Oil Ownership Claim: Niger Delta Stakeholders Criticize Bugaje’s Assertions

Stakeholders and leaders from the South-South region criticized former presidential aide, Dr. Usman Bugaje, for his recent assertion that the North owned 78% of Nigeria’s crude oil due to its landmass and the extent of the sea.

In an interview with Vanguard, Dr. Bugaje argued that the North should have a claim over oil sources because the region covers 78% of the country’s landmass, extending its jurisdiction over oil found offshore.

However, leaders in the Niger Delta swiftly dismissed Bugaje’s claims. Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, Chairman of the Community Development Committees (CDC) Board of Trustees in oil-producing communities, called Bugaje’s remarks nonsensical and accused him of stirring trouble unnecessarily.

Peter Umoh, former member representing Oron federal constituency, went further, suggesting Bugaje should return to school due to his lack of understanding. Mfon Peters, Uyo-based lawyer and human rights activist, described Bugaje as misleading Nigerians and highlighted the lack of data supporting his stance.

Other stakeholders echoed similar sentiments. Veteran journalist Tony Abolo from Edo State expressed shock at Bugaje’s remarks, questioning the logic behind his arguments and stressing the need for scientific data to back such claims. Bayelsa State-based environmentalist Morris Alagoa also described Bugaje as a jester, pointing out the negative environmental impacts suffered by the Niger Delta due to oil industry operations.

The stakeholders emphasized the need for true federalism and called for the implementation of fiscal restructuring. They also highlighted the need for policies that respect the rights of the Niger Delta people and their claim to the resources in their region.