By staff Reporter Rukevwe Odeh

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to commence the process of establishing the Rivers State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (RISOPADEC) and constitute its governing board.

The council said the commission would provide a dedicated institutional framework for addressing the developmental and environmental challenges confronting oil-producing and riverine communities across the state.

Speaking through its National Spokesman, Victor Ibaningo, the IYC said communities affected by oil and gas exploration should have a structured mechanism through which development interventions could be planned, implemented and monitored.

The council’s position comes against the backdrop of Rivers State’s earnings from the 13 per cent derivation allocation. According to data analysed by TheCable, the state received about N114.06 billion in derivation revenue between January and May 2025.

The IYC argued that the receipt of derivation funds should translate into tangible improvements in communities where oil and gas resources are produced, particularly in areas facing environmental degradation and inadequate infrastructure.

It referenced Section 162(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides for the derivation principle, while also pointing to the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission as an example of a state-level mechanism for supporting oil-producing communities.

The council also drew attention to the gas-seepage crisis in Bille Community, Degema Local Government Area, describing it as one of the challenges that underline the need for sustained institutional intervention in affected communities.

The IYC said RISOPADEC should focus on areas such as environmental remediation, healthcare, education, potable water, infrastructure, youth empowerment and sustainable livelihood programmes.

It further urged the governor to ensure that representatives of affected communities are meaningfully involved in determining development priorities and that funds allocated for oil-producing areas are transparently tracked.

According to the council, establishing the commission would provide a permanent structure for coordinating development initiatives and addressing longstanding concerns in Rivers State’s oil-producing communities.

The IYC therefore appealed to Governor Fubara to begin the required legislative and administrative processes for the establishment of RISOPADEC and ensure that its governing board reflects the interests of the affected communities.

The council maintained that its demand was aimed at promoting accountability, equity and sustainable development, rather than confrontation, and urged the state government to make the initiative part of its lasting legacy for riverine and oil-producing communities.