President Muhammadu Buhari has given the assurance that his government would take a look at the 13 per cent derivation benefit to the Niger Delta region.
That, according to him, would be with the intention of ensuring the development of the area.
The president gave the assurance at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday when he hosted Isoko traditional rulers and other important personalities led by His Majesty Ovrawah, Omogha I, Odiologbo of Oleh.
Said the president: “I have listened attentively to your address and I will still update myself with details of development in your area as it relates to oil and gas, and lack of infrastructure.
“I will look at the constitutional 13 per cent derivation and what previous governments have done, in order to know what we can do.’’
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Speaking at the occasion, the President General of the Isoko Development Union who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, called on the president to review the issue of development projects in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the people of Isoko had also been sidelined in the appointments made at the federal level.
“With eight oil fields of flow stations in Isoko land, we appeal to His Excellency to direct NNPC to establish a gas plant and a modular refinery in Isoko land. It will be beneficial to the nation and it will create employment and generate revenue…
“Your Excellency, no meaningful project has been sited in Isoko since the inception of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs,’’ he said.
