By Emmanuel Nduka
A Bill seeking to recognize Bauchi, Kogi and Lagos states as part of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), passed second reading at the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday.
It would be recalled that crude oil deposits were discovered in Bauchi, Kogi, Sokoto and Lagos states in recent years.
Leading a debate on the Bill seeking to amend the NDDC Act during Wednesday’s Plenary, Solomon Olamilekan, Senator representing Lagos West, said states where crude oil has been discovered should be accorded their “rightful status”.
He advocated that the states should also enjoy the 13 percent derivation that other oil-producing states currently enjoy, adding that “the NDDC law should be amended to include states that have attained oil-producing status. Bauchi, Lagos and Kogi are entitled to 13 percent derivation.”
Matthew Urhoghide, Senator representing Edo South, however opposed the Bill, stating that bringing non-Niger Delta states into the commission will make a mockery of the NDDC.
“I’m not against recognising these states as oil-producing states. But the nine states that make up the Niger Delta region are very clear. Because they produce oil does not make them part of the Niger Delta.
“They are free to gain from the 13 percent derivation. There should be a line… but bringing Bauchi as part of the NDDC will make a mockery of what it stands for,” Urhoghide said.
While expressing concerns, Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, held that the sponsor of the Bill, Olamilekan, is a “meddlesome interloper”.
“We look forward to the day that all states produce oil or one form of mineral resource or the other. The 13 percent derivation is not an issue. But the issue is whether or not they should come under the NDDC.
“This bill shows that the sponsor is a meddlesome interloper. Lagos is not the Niger Delta. As we speak, we have an issue with Ondo being recognised as Niger Delta,” Omo-Agege said.
In his own vein, Senator representing Kebbi South, Bala Na’Allah, suggested that a new organisation be created to take care of the areas where oil is being discovered.
“The fact that we have discovered oil in Lagos, Ogun, Bauchi and equally Sokoto. My concern is that this is genuine. A certain fund should be established to address the challenges of these new areas where oil is found,” he advocated.
