Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has raised concerns about what he described as mounting pressure on the Federal Government of Nigeria to terminate a major oil pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta.

In a statement released to the public, Adeyanju alleged that individuals who previously benefited from illegal oil activities are behind the campaign to cancel the contract. According to him, the tightening of security around oil pipelines has disrupted their operations and reduced their financial gains.

The activist claimed that some of the critics calling for the cancellation of the agreement are acting out of personal interest rather than genuine concern for national development.

Tambuwal Dumps PDP, Defects To Another Party

The pipeline surveillance contract in question was awarded to a company linked to former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo.

The deal was introduced as part of the government’s broader strategy to combat crude oil theft and protect critical oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta, a region that has long struggled with pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering.

Supporters of the arrangement argue that the initiative has delivered measurable improvements in securing oil pipelines across the region.

They claim that stronger surveillance and monitoring have contributed to a reduction in oil theft and helped Nigeria increase its crude oil production to more than one million barrels per day.

Adeyanju echoed these views, insisting that the contract has produced tangible results in safeguarding the country’s oil assets.

Allegations of Coordinated Pressure

According to Adeyanju, groups that previously profited from illegal oil activities are working with certain corrupt officials to discredit the surveillance arrangement.

He alleged that these actors are attempting to damage the reputation of the contract in order to push the government toward cancelling it.

The lawyer warned that dismantling the agreement could reverse the progress made in securing pipelines and controlling crude oil theft.

He urged authorities to investigate those advocating for the termination of the contract, suggesting that some of them may have hidden financial interests connected to illegal oil operations.

Critics Call for Contract Review

Despite the reported benefits, the surveillance contract has attracted criticism from some observers and stakeholders.

Critics argue that the government should reassess the arrangement, noting that awarding such a contract to a figure associated with former militant groups could create perceptions of political favouritism.

They also warn that it might strengthen the influence of ex-militant leaders in the region’s political and economic affairs.

However, Adeyanju dismissed these concerns, maintaining that the focus should remain on the effectiveness of the arrangement rather than the controversies surrounding it.

Call to Protect Nigeria’s Oil Resources

The activist concluded by urging the Federal Government to remain firm in its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.

He warned that cancelling the surveillance contract could weaken security around pipelines and potentially allow illegal oil activities to rise again in the Niger Delta.

According to Adeyanju, the government must resist pressure from individuals seeking a return to the period when pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft were widespread.

As debates continue over the future of the surveillance agreement, the issue highlights the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in securing its oil resources and maintaining stability in its key oil-producing region.