Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has claimed that individuals profiting illegal oil activities are compelling the Federal Government to terminate a major pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta.

Speaking via a statement, Adeyanju claimed that people criticising the contract are those who have lost money and influence after security around oil pipelines was tightened.

According to him, some of these groups are also collaborating with corrupt officials in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the surveillance arrangement and push the government to scrap it.

The surveillance contract was awarded to a company linked to former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

Supporters of the deal say it has helped reduce oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. They argue that improved monitoring has enabled Nigeria to raise its oil production to more than one million barrels per day.

However, some critics believe the government should review the contract, arguing that the arrangement could be perceived as political favouritism and warning that it may increase the influence of former militant groups in the region.

Adeyanju dismissed these concerns, saying the contract has already delivered clear results in protecting Nigeria’s oil facilities. He also called on the government to investigate those advocating for the contract’s cancellation, suggesting some may have personal interests linked to oil theft.

The activist warned that scrapping the surveillance deal could weaken efforts to protect pipelines and allow illegal oil activities to surge once again in the Niger Delta.

He urged the government to remain focused on safeguarding the country’s oil resources and resist pressure from those he claims seek a return to the era of widespread pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.