The Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF) Worldwide has concluded its annual convention with a series of bold demands, including an N18 trillion compensation from the Federal Government for alleged genocide committed against Igbos during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970). The forum also called on all Nigerian political parties to field presidential candidates of Igbo extraction in the 2027 general election to foster a “sense of belonging.”
In a communique issued after its two-day summit held between July 9th and 10th, 2025, the NUF asserted that over three million innocent Igbo civilians were “massacred” during the war, describing it as “pure planned genocide.” The group lamented the unfulfilled promises of General Yakubu Gowon’s “Three Rs” – Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction – 55 years after the conflict. They demanded N18 trillion compensation, according to NUF President Augustine Chukwudum, should be used for critical infrastructure and development in the Southeast and Anioma people of Delta State, including roads, hospitals, agriculture, industry, tourism, and education.
Beyond historical redress, the NUF outlined several other key demands and observations:
2027 Presidency: A call for all political parties to present Igbo presidential candidates in 2027 to ensure “justice, equity, and fairness” and give Ndigbo a “sense of belonging.”
Southeast Economic Harnessing: Urged Southeast governors to prioritize agriculture, industry, and tourism, criticizing past and present governors for abandoning these sectors, which could generate “fifty billion dollars yearly” and “more than twenty million employment.”
Security Concerns: Condemned the killing of people in Enugu State by “Fulani terrorists” and mandated Southeast governors, local government chairmen, town union presidents, and traditional rulers to establish community vigilantes armed with AK47 and AK49 rifles to counter criminals and “Fulani terrorists.”
Federal Intervention on Insecurity: Demanded that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declare a “full-blown war” against “terrorists and Fulani killers” and allow local vigilantes to carry sophisticated weapons to tackle them.
State Creation: Advocated for an additional state for the Southeast, noting that the zone currently has five states compared to six or seven in other geopolitical zones, and specifically called for the creation of Anioma State from Delta State.
Naira Revaluation: Echoed sentiments from other groups by calling on President Tinubu to strengthen the Naira by reducing the exchange rate to N50 per US Dollar, citing the current high cost of commodities and hunger.
Oil Refining Policy: Demanded an end to crude oil exports, urging the government to mandate multinational companies to refine petrol locally and export finished products, while also stopping gas flaring.
The NUF’s comprehensive demands underscore a deep-seated desire for justice, economic empowerment, security, and political inclusion for the Igbo people within Nigeria.
