Investigative journalist and activist, Fejiro Oliver, has explained the motivation behind his campaign questioning the controversial pipeline surveillance arrangement in the Niger Delta, saying his actions were driven by conscience, accountability, and the need for equitable benefits for host communities.
In a detailed statement shared on Facebook, Oliver said the campaign began after he started questioning the huge wealth allegedly being displayed by individuals linked to the pipeline surveillance contract, which he claims goes far beyond the officially announced N48 billion contract value.
According to him, the situation raised serious concerns about transparency and fairness, particularly for communities in the Niger Delta that continue to struggle with poverty despite being at the center of Nigeria’s oil wealth.
Oliver said he began asking himself whether it was morally right to remain silent while what he described as billions of naira were allegedly being spent on luxury lifestyles, including expensive houses, parties, and luxury cars.
“I had to ask myself how long I could remain silent watching billions disappear into parties, houses, Lamborghinis and other displays of wealth when the public figure being discussed was tied to a contract announced at N48 billion,” he wrote.
Oliver said his investigation was also driven by the need to understand why certain communities were excluded from opportunities tied to the surveillance arrangement.
He noted that many young people in the region are unemployed and struggling, yet only a small group appears to be benefiting from the contract.
According to him, even modest opportunities—such as employment slots or surveillance coverage for specific pipeline segments—were not extended to some communities.
“Where is our own share? Where are our own kilometres, our own slots, even just 200 positions for our boys?” Oliver asked.
While discussing the issue, Oliver referenced prominent Niger Delta figure Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, stating that he believes the former militant leader personally desires peace and inclusion.
However, Oliver argued that individuals around Tompolo may be exploiting the situation for personal enrichment.
He also mentioned figures such as Keston Pondi and Matthew Tola as part of what he described as a “cabal” benefiting disproportionately from the arrangement.
Oliver further argued that the current structure of the pipeline surveillance contract may not continue in its present form, suggesting that authorities may soon review the arrangement due to economic pressures facing Nigeria.
He proposed that surveillance responsibilities should be decentralized, allowing different host communities to manage and benefit from the protection of pipelines running through their territories.
According to him, such a system would distribute economic benefits more fairly across the Niger Delta region.
“When the restructuring comes, the question every community must ask is: who will protect your community’s share?” he stated.
Oliver emphasized that his campaign is not only about exposing alleged corruption but also about ensuring that marginalized communities are not excluded from opportunities tied to the protection of oil infrastructure.
He said that when surveillance responsibilities are eventually redistributed, he intends to ensure that his community and others are properly represented.
“If the wealth won’t flow round, then let it not flow at all. You guard your pipeline and I guard my own,” Oliver concluded.
The statement has since sparked conversations across the Niger Delta, with supporters describing Oliver’s stance as a call for accountability, while critics argue that the matter could deepen divisions within the region.
Observers say the debate highlights long-standing concerns about transparency, resource control, and equitable distribution of benefits from Nigeria’s oil industry.