Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has alleged that individuals benefiting from illegal oil operations are mounting pressure on the Federal Government to cancel a key pipeline surveillance contract operating in the Niger Delta.
In a statement released on the issue, Adeyanju claimed that many of those criticizing the surveillance arrangement are people who have lost financial gains and influence since security around oil pipelines was strengthened.
According to him, some of these actors are allegedly working with corrupt officials in an attempt to discredit the contract and create public pressure that could force the government to terminate the agreement.
The controversial surveillance contract was awarded to a company reportedly linked to former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo. The arrangement was introduced as part of efforts to combat large-scale crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the oil-producing region.
Supporters of the deal argue that the surveillance initiative has produced tangible results. They say increased monitoring and community-based security have significantly reduced illegal tapping of pipelines and sabotage of oil infrastructure. According to them, these improvements have helped Nigeria boost its crude oil output to over one million barrels per day after months of production challenges.
Despite these claims, critics have continued to question the arrangement. Some stakeholders believe the Federal Government should review the contract, arguing that awarding such a strategic security role to a company linked to a former militant could create perceptions of political favoritism. Others warn that it could further strengthen the influence of ex-militant groups within the Niger Delta.
Adeyanju, however, rejected those concerns, insisting that the primary focus should be on the results the initiative has delivered in protecting critical oil assets.
He also urged authorities to closely examine individuals and groups calling for the cancellation of the surveillance contract, suggesting that some of them may have vested interests tied to the illegal oil trade.
The activist further warned that terminating the surveillance deal abruptly could undermine progress made in safeguarding pipelines across the Niger Delta. According to him, dismantling the system without a viable alternative could create opportunities for renewed crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region.
Adeyanju therefore called on the government to remain committed to protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and national resources, while resisting what he described as pressure from individuals seeking to return the country to an era of rampant oil theft and sabotage.
