Three states dominate Q1 derivation funds

Delta, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states received nearly three-quarters of the N321.90bn distributed to Nigeria’s oil-producing states under the 13 per cent derivation principle in the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the dominance of the country’s largest crude-producing states in revenue allocation.

Analysis of data published by BudgIT Nigeria, using figures from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Federation Account Allocation Committee, showed that 11 states benefited from derivation payments between January and March this year.

Delta emerged as the biggest beneficiary with N101.60bn, followed by Bayelsa with N71.64bn and Akwa Ibom with N69.39bn. Collectively, the three states received about 75 per cent of the total derivation allocation for the quarter.

Rivers ranked fourth after receiving N46.09bn, meaning the four leading oil-producing states accounted for almost 90 per cent of all derivation funds shared during the period.