By Sunday Anthony, Uyo
The apex youth organization in the Niger Delta region, Niger Delta Youth Leaders Forum, NDYLF has appealed for increased federal allocation from 13 to 20% to oil producing states in line with the derivation policy of Nigeria’s fiscal federalism.
Patrick Akpan, President of the Forum, who said this in Uyo, cited alarming cost of petroleum products, high cost of living and particularly, harsh effects of exploration on the ecosystem of oil producing states as reasons for their demands.
He appreciated Olusegun Obasenjo, former President for coming to the rescue of oil producing states, by assenting the 13% derivation during his tenure, while imploring President Tinubu, to consider their demands in the interest of justice and fair play.
However, he flayed the continued delay and what he described as lackluster attitude of key stakeholders towards the manifestation of the Ibom Deep Seaport project.
According to him, the project, when completed, will open a wide window to international trade, creat jobs, stimulate employment opportunities, engage the youths and boost the economy of the region and beyond.
Akpan lauded Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State for investing in youth development and capacity building through the construction of Youth Centers across the State and for partnering an oil producing company to train youths on underwater welding and other oil and gas related skills to boost capacity and make them self-reliant.
