The Niger Delta crisis in Nigeria persists, posing a significant threat to Africa's largest economy. Despite the government's offer of amnesty to violent militant groups in 2009, oil revenue continues to decline due to frequent attacks on oil infrastructure in the region.

Introduced by late President Yar'Adua, the amnesty program aimed to quell the violent conflicts and protect Nigeria's oil sales revenue. However, the program faces significant challenges, including rampant corruption. A report by Oluwatoyin Oluwaniyi, a lecturer at Redeemer's University, reveals that a substantial portion of the funds allocated to the program goes towards payments to ex-militant commanders, program managers, consultants, and contractors. This has led to the perception that the program is more focused on personal gain than on transformative strategies.

The Niger Delta remains at risk of violent conflict between rival militant groups. Unable to resolve the conflict militarily, the Federal Government has resorted to covert agreements with some top militant commanders, who have transformed into wealthy individuals. One example is Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, and his Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND). Despite accusations of violence, Tompolo secured a contract through his company Global West Vessel Specialist Limited (GWVSL) to protect the nation's maritime environment, a role constitutionally assigned to the Nigerian Navy.

Under the Buhari administration, Tompolo was awarded a N48 billion pipeline surveillance contract across the Niger Delta region. This deal covers oil pipelines in various states, including the Kingdom of Kalabari, the ancestral home of Tompolo's rival, Asari Dokubo. Dokubo expressed outrage at the contract, accusing the former Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, of favoring Tompolo and destabilizing the Niger Delta.

In a surprising turn of events, Asari Dokubo announced that he had entered into an agreement with the Buhari administration to protect the Abuja-Kaduna highway. Defending his involvement, Dokubo highlighted the lives saved and the positive impact of his efforts. He criticized the Nigerian military for blackmailing the government, alleging oil theft by the armed forces and claiming that they possess sufficient resources to combat the crisis.

While the Nigerian military has refuted Dokubo's accusations, the government has not officially responded to the issue of securing the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

The ongoing Niger Delta crisis and the controversies surrounding the amnesty program and contracts awarded to former militants raise concerns about stability and economic growth in Nigeria.