The Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission has come under renewed pressure to reform its operations following far-reaching resolutions reached at its 2026 stakeholders’ summit.
At the end of the meeting, participants from Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas called for sweeping changes aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and development outcomes across oil-producing communities.
In a communiqué issued after the summit, stakeholders stressed the need for the commission to adopt technology-driven systems to monitor budget implementation, procurement processes, and project delivery. They also underscored the importance of involving host communities at every stage of development planning.
The summit further recommended the establishment of a high-level committee comprising traditional rulers, academics, and opinion leaders to strengthen advocacy and institutional support for the commission.
Participants also proposed that the stakeholders’ summit be held annually, ahead of budget cycles, to enhance planning and coordination.
On development priorities, attendees urged the commission to base project selection on reliable data and community needs assessments. They highlighted the need for greater investment in youth empowerment, education, enterprise development, and environmental sustainability.
Concerns over environmental challenges featured prominently, with stakeholders calling for intensified efforts to tackle oil spills, coastal erosion, and ecological degradation in affected areas.
The communiqué also emphasized the importance of effective monitoring and evaluation systems, while urging communities to take responsibility for safeguarding completed projects.
In addition, participants advocated stronger collaboration with federal institutions, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Presidential Amnesty Programme, to support peace-building initiatives and empowerment programmes in the region.
Funding issues were also raised, as stakeholders called on the Ondo State Government to ensure full payment of the statutory 40 percent derivation allocation due to the commission, including outstanding arrears.
They also proposed an increase in the allocation to 50 percent to enhance OSOPADEC’s capacity.
Stakeholders commended the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for his support for the commission, while urging sustained commitment to timely fund releases and ongoing reforms.
They also expressed confidence in the leadership of OSOPADEC’s Executive Chairman, Prince Olabiyi Olaleye Poroye, and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts to improve development outcomes in the mandate areas.
The summit ended with a pledge by stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and promote inclusive development across oil-producing communities.
