Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom states dominate Q1 2026 derivation funds

Data from BudgIT Nigeria, using figures from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Federation Account Allocation Committee, showed that 11 states benefited from these payments between January and March 2026. Delta was the largest beneficiary with N101.60bn, followed by Bayelsa with N71.64bn, and Akwa Ibom with N69.39bn. Collectively, these three states accounted for approximately 75 percent of the total derivation allocation for the quarter.

Rivers State ranked fourth with N46.09bn, bringing the total for the top four states to almost 90 percent of all derivation funds shared. Other states, including Ondo, Edo, Imo, Abia, and Anambra, received significantly smaller allocations. Enugu and Kogi, recognized as oil-producing states, each received N46,991 due to their low production levels.

The 13 percent derivation payment is enshrined in Nigeria's constitution to compensate oil-producing states, with allocations largely determined by production volumes. Derivation payments have increased in recent years, with oil-producing states sharing N1.51tn in 2025, up from N671.9bn in 2024. The number of beneficiary states has also expanded from nine to 11.