13 Percent Derivation: We Have Only Been Able To Access N44.7 billion – Okowa Responds To Public Outcry

The Delta State Government has said that it was only able to access N44.7 billion out of the N240 billion of the 13 percent derivation fund owed by the Federal Government.

The State commissioner for Finance, Fidelis Tilije, stated this while speaking with reporters at Government House, Asaba.

This is coming after the Governor of River State, Nyesom Wike said that President Muhammadu Buhari had released the 13 percent derivation money owed to the Niger Delta States from 1999 to the present.

Wike stated this in Rivers while commissioning a project, explaining that is where he got the funds for the buildings and structures he is commissioning.

This has led to mixed reactions especially from the people of Niger Delta States.

Reacting to the public outcry, Tilije said that N240 billion was Delta’s share of the payment approved

He explained that the state initially applied for N150 billion bridging finance which the federal government turned down to N100 billion from the expected refund of N240 billion to meet payment of its legacy projects in the State.

“So, in a way, the state has accessed and utilised the N14.7 billion paid by the Federal Government and the N30 billion from the bridging finance for payment for ongoing projects,” he said.

He went on to explain that the  total amount owed Delta after deductions was N240 billion and that the Federal Government had agreed to pay the money quarterly in five years.