Niger State Government Request 13% derivation fund and Threatens Hydro Dams Shutdown Over Unpaid Funds

Governor Umaru Bago Issues Ultimatum to the Federal Government

In a bold move, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has issued a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the payment of the 13% derivation fund, akin to other oil-producing states. The governor, while hosting Tijani Aliyu, Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, in Minna, Niger State, emphasized the need for fair compensation, asserting, “we will take the Federal Government to the Supreme Court unless the 13 percent derivation from our land, water, air, grass, and everything given to us is paid.” – Governor Umaru Bago.

Niger State Governor Demands N1 Trillion Compensation for Hydrocarbon Exchange

Governor Bago did not stop at the 13% derivation demand; he further insisted on the payment of N1 trillion within the next three months for hydrocarbon exchange. Expressing the state’s contribution to the Delta region, he remarked, “We need 13 percent 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.”
“The Federal Government will pay Niger state N1 trillion in the next three months for hydrocarbon exchange, they must.” – Governor Umaru Bago

Hydro Dams Shutdown Looms as Niger State Takes a Firm Stand

Governor Bago, highlighting the state’s significant role in providing hydropower to the nation, issued a strong warning. “Abuja Electricity Distribution Company [AEDC] must pay us, they have consumed from Niger state hydrocarbon exchange, and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation [NNPC] must pay us. We have woken up; we can never ever tolerate being neglected or abandoned again.”
“We demand compensation for our people. Everything, every resource that comes from Niger State must be compensated. We will not tolerate this anymore.” – Governor Umaru Bago

Nigerlites Deserve Compensation for Contributions

Governor Bago emphasized the plight of Nigerlites, who suffer the consequences of water overflow annually. “Our people have done enough for Nigeria,” he declared, underlining the necessity for compensation. The governor’s firm stance indicates a resolve not to accept marginalization, asserting, “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 Niger State Government’s demands for fair compensation and the looming threat of shutting down hydro dams underscore the gravity of the situation. As the state insists on its rightful share, the Federal Government faces a critical decision that could have far-reaching consequences.