“The Wealth Beneath Our Feet, The Poverty in Our Homes: Ijaw Voices Grow Louder for Resource Ownership”
By Passman Akpos
Bayelsa, Nigeria —Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, an aspirant for the position of National Publicity Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has called for a major shift in the governance of Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta region. In a powerful statement released earlier this morning, Ikuli urged the Ijaw Nation to take control of the vast natural resources within its territories and demand that a portion of the revenue be paid to the central government, similar to the resource control models practiced in other federal systems like that of the United States.
For decades, Ijaw territories, particularly Bayelsa State, have shouldered the socio-economic burden of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The discovery of crude oil in Otabagi-Oloibiri, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, in 1956 marked the beginning of an era of unprecedented resource extraction. Despite being the nation’s primary contributor of crude oil and gas, Ijaw Nation remains one of the most impoverished regions in Nigeria.
“The time has come for Ijaw Nation to control the resources within her borders and pay royalties to the government at the centre,” said Ikuli. He pointed out the stark irony that while Ijaw people have contributed over 65% of Nigeria’s oil wealth, their communities continue to suffer neglect and underdevelopment. He also highlighted the region’s rich natural assets beyond oil, including abundant marine resources and the longest coastline in the country.
“Ijaw Nation owns vast wealth—natural resources, human capital, and maritime assets. Yet, despite our contributions, we continue to receive crumbs from a system that exploits us,” Ikuli stated, reflecting on the contrast between the wealth of Ijaw communities and the development in other parts of the country, particularly in Abuja. “Bridges are built across dry lands in Abuja, while our people are left to wade through muddy waters with no proper infrastructure in sight.”
Ikuli further noted that the current system of resource distribution in Nigeria, where states in the Niger Delta contribute a significant share of the nation’s revenue but receive little in return, is deeply flawed. He argued that it is time for the Ijaw people to demand their fair share of the nation’s wealth, as their resources are not only for the benefit of all Nigerians but should primarily uplift Ijaw communities.
Drawing comparisons to the United States’ federal system, where states control the natural resources within their borders and pay royalties to the central government, Ikuli urged Ijaw leaders to seek a similar arrangement. He emphasized that this approach would stimulate competition, foster growth, and ultimately lead to the rapid socio-economic development of the Ijaw territories.
The aspirant also pointed to the current socio-political climate as an opportunity for change. “Nigeria is at a defining moment,” Ikuli remarked. “The Spirit of the Time is on our side. This is the time to renegotiate the terms of our existence within the Nigerian federation.”
Ikuli’s passionate call for Ijaw self-determination and resource control resonated deeply within the region. He expressed optimism that the people of Ijaw Nation, backed by strong leadership, could leverage the current political environment to demand the fair treatment and recognition they deserve.
“Just imagine how prosperous Ijaw Nation could be if even half of the resources extracted from our land were reinvested in our communities,” Ikuli concluded. “This is why we need visionary, independent-minded leaders who will represent the interests of the Ijaw people with purpose and commitment.”
Ikuli’s statement also underscored his personal commitment to the Ijaw cause, revealing that he has spent millions of Naira promoting the interests of Ijaw Nation through research and publication. He expressed confidence that if elected as the National Publicity Secretary of INC, he would continue to advocate for the betterment of Ijaw people, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights upheld.
As Ijaw Nation stands at a crossroads in its quest for equitable resource management, the time to take action has indeed come.
