Adeyanju Accuses Oil Thieves of Pressuring Pipeline Contract

Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer and activist, has accused oil thieves and former contractors of attempting to pressure the Nigerian government into canceling a significant pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta. Adeyanju argues that these individuals are motivated by their profit from illegal oil activities and are leading a campaign to compel the federal government to terminate the deal.

The contract, which is linked to former militant leader Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is believed to help reduce oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the region. It aims to improve monitoring and enable Nigeria to increase its oil production, which has reportedly fallen to around 300,000 barrels per day due to frequent pipeline attacks.

Critics, however, warn that reviewing the contract could favor political interests and increase the influence of former militant groups. Adeyanju dismissed these concerns, asserting that the contract has already delivered clear results in protecting Nigeria's oil facilities and urged the government to investigate any personal interests linked to oil theft.