13% oil derivation for N/Delta not enough, says lawmaker

Port Harcourt -- The minority leader, House of Representatives, Mr. Ndudi Elumelu, has described as injustice the 13 percent oil derivative fund allocated to oil and gas producing states.

Also, the lawmaker has assured on the speedy passage of the Nigerian Maritime University Bill into law.

Elumelu disclosed these during the swearing-in ceremony of the newlyelected executive members of Okerenkoko Federated Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.

He explained that the ongoing constitutional review seeks to correct the skewed derivation formula and commended the people of Delta State for participating in the public hearing on constitutional review.

"For me and my colleagues at the House of Representatives, we are totally against the marginalisation of host communities. We are saying that 13 percent is not enough for states that are suffering the brunt of crude oil and gas exploitation and production.

"We deserved more than 13 percent and that is what the constitutional review is trying to address.

"The House has set up a committee on host communities, to understand the yearnings and aspirations of host communities , particularly oil and gas host communities," he said.