ASABA, Nigeria – Beneath the tranquil farmlands and scattered towns of Delta North, a quiet revolution is taking shape one that could redefine Nigeria’s geopolitical landscape. Long politically sidelined, the Anioma region is emerging as an economic powerhouse, underpinned by vast and largely unacknowledged oil and gas reserves that some experts say could rank among the nation’s top five.
According to a new study by Germany-based oil economist Osita Mordi, Anioma land sits atop what could become Nigeria’s fifth-largest reserve of hydrocarbons. Already producing over 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day, the region also holds massive untapped gas deposits. The findings have reignited calls for the creation of Anioma State, a demand that is gaining urgency as the data challenges long-held assumptions about the region’s viability.
“Anioma is no longer begging to be made a state,” said 84-year-old Fidelis Dike from Ubulu-Ukwu. “It is an economic injustice for such a resource-rich region to remain politically marginalised.”
Oil and Gas: Anioma’s Hidden Engine
Anioma’s active oil fields span Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Ukwuani, Ika South, and Oshimili North. Developed sites like Okpai, Kwale, Beneku, Ashaka, Umusadege, and Ebendo collectively contribute tens of thousands of barrels daily. The Umusadege field, operated by Midwestern Oil and Canada’s Mart Resources, produces over 12,000 barrels per day alone.
Gas production in the region is equally significant. The Okpai field powers a major gas turbine plant and supports Nigeria’s LNG exports, while the Kwale site accounts for 4% of the nation’s total gas production over 50 billion standard cubic feet annually.
“People think of oil and gas in the Niger Delta as a Port Harcourt and Warri story. But the real silent contributor is Anioma,” noted veteran journalist Tony Eluemunor.
Despite this, misattribution remains a sore point. Fields in Onyah are often credited to Bayelsa, and the Obiofu site, which contributes 17,000 barrels per day and 8% of national gas output, is largely credited to Rivers State.
“Our wealth is flowing elsewhere while our towns remain forgotten,” lamented Dike Chris, a retired immigration officer in Idoni.
Untapped Fields, Missed Opportunities
Several undeveloped fields in Ossissa, Aniocha South, and Afor Ndokwa could yield an estimated 50,000 barrels per day once operational. Meanwhile, OPL 206 spanning five local governments and once awarded to late Chief MKO Abiola remains dormant.
Energy consultant Nduka Ifeanyi described these assets as “ticking economic time bombs,” adding, “If activated, they could lift Anioma’s GDP beyond 20 Nigerian states.”
Gas fields like Egbaoma, Ashaka, and Obiofu house hundreds of billions of cubic feet of gas, yet the region has no refinery, petrochemical plant, or energy research hub.
“We fuel LNG exports but can’t even power our hospitals during surgeries,” said Chief Muonye, a former Nigerian diplomat.
Agriculture and Youth Potential
Anioma is also one of Nigeria’s major producers of garri, oranges, banana, and pawpaw. But poor infrastructure and lack of processing facilities result in substantial post-harvest losses.
“We are wasting fortunes in post-harvest losses,” said Chris Ani, an Abuja-based businessman from Issele-Uku.
Sports advocates also cite Anioma’s talent pool in athletics and martial arts as grounds for increased investment and autonomy.
“If Anioma becomes a state, we will give the likes of Lagos and Rivers a run for their medals,” said sports promoter Tony Elue.
Political Advocacy Gathers Momentum
Leading the renewed charge is Senator Ned Nwoko, who says Anioma contributes more oil than Delta Central and Isoko combined.
“We are not second-class citizens in Delta State,” Nwoko stated. “We deserve administrative independence to manage our resources for our people.”
Historically, the Anioma quest for unity traces back to the colonial era. During the 1980s, advertising icon Sylvester Moemeka famously lobbied against splitting Anioma between the newly created Delta and Edo States. His appeal for cultural and linguistic unity helped preserve the integrity of Anioma within Delta.
“Our fractured identity is the scar of a war waged in silence: the Ekumeku resistance,” said elder statesman Pa Dike, referring to the underreported three-decade anti-colonial campaign waged by Anioma communities.
A Constitutional and Moral Question
With Anioma currently producing over 5% of Nigeria’s daily oil output and nearly 20% of its gas, the push for statehood has moved beyond ethnic sentiment. It is now a question of economic justice and national equity.
“The data is clear, the production is ongoing, and the urgency is mounting,” said Senator Nwoko.
As Nigeria contemplates another round of constitutional reform and restructuring, Anioma’s case may prove a litmus test for how the nation balances resource control, regional identity, and federal fairness.