Niger Governor Demands 13% Derivation from Oil Revenue, Threatens to Shut Down Kainji Dam, Other National Power Infrastructure

In a bold move, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has issued a stern ultimatum to the Nigerian federal government, demanding a 13% derivation from oil revenue, similar to what is enjoyed by oil-producing states. He has threatened to shut down the Kainji Dam and other national power infrastructure that supplies electricity to the Delta region if his demands are not met.

Governor Bago made his position clear during a meeting with the federal commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijani Aliyu, in Minna on Monday. He insisted that the 13% derivation fund, which is 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 further 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 also extended his demands to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, asserting that they must pay Niger State for their utilization of hydrocarbon exchange from the region.

“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,” the governor stressed. “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 concluded by underscoring his determination to secure the compensation that Niger State rightfully deserves, stating, “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.”

This uncompromising stance by Governor Bago reflects the growing demands of Niger State for fair compensation and recognition of its contributions to the nation’s resources. The outcome of this situation will undoubtedly be closely watched, as it could have far-reaching implications for the equitable distribution of oil revenue and resources in Nigeria.