Niger Delta Leader Calls for 70% Revenue Retention

Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, the convener of the South-South Reawakening Group (SSRG), called for a restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system during a birthday breakfast media chat in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, to mark his 65th birthday. He proposed that states should retain 70% of revenues from local resources, arguing that the current federal structure fails to deliver necessary development for the Niger Delta and the country.

Ambakederimo highlighted that the 1963 Constitution allowed for 50% derivation, and he believes that returning to such principles would promote healthy competition among states. He pointed out the environmental and economic burdens faced by oil-producing communities and stressed that they should receive greater economic benefits from resource extraction.

He also advocated for comprehensive political restructuring, including local government autonomy and the debate over state police, rather than piecemeal reforms.