Stakeholders at the 1st International Anti-Corruption and Climate Change Conference, organized by HEDA Resource Centre in partnership with Hawkmoth and supported by the MacArthur Foundation, called for a people-driven energy transition and divestment proposal, prioritizing the public good and holding International Oil Companies (IOCs) accountable.
The two-day event brought together government officials, anti-graft agencies, civil society organizations, international partners, media to discuss corruption, climate change, and sustainable development in Nigeria and West Africa.
The conference featured keynote speakers including the Minister of Environment, Dr Ishaq Salako represented by Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), Chairman, House of Representative Committee on Information, Hon Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, among others with several panel discussions, and extensive recommendations.
Participants commended HEDA’s leadership in advocating for transparency in the oil and gas sector and stressed the urgency of the event’s agenda. Key highlights included calls for legal reforms, institutional strengthening, raising public awareness, and international cooperation to combat corruption and climate change.
The participants also emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector, with particular attention to reviewing the Petroleum Industry Act.
Discussions focused on the detrimental effects of corruption and environmental degradation on local communities, especially in the Niger Delta. Stakeholders underscored the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
The event concluded with several key recommendations, including promoting a people-driven energy transition, enhancing corporate accountability for environmental damage, retrieving stolen public funds, and empowering communities through inclusion and sustainable development initiatives.
The conference were graced by the United States Embassy, Abrahamian Andray, Director National Human Rights Institute, Mrs. Agharese Arase, Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director, CTA, Isac Botti, Social Action, Founder/Publisher, Premium Times, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi.
Others are NEITI Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Country Director, Stakeholders Development Network, (SDN), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRIC, Executive Director, Ms Emem Okonm, Director, CDD, Dr. Dauda Garba, Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Environment, Hon Terser Ugbor.
Also, Rev. Nimmo Bassey, Member, HYPREP, Mr Celestine AkpoBari, CEO, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, Bankole Oloruntoba, MD/CEO Rural Electrification Agency, Mr Abba Aliyu, Senior Officer Natural Resource Governance Institute, Tengi George Ikoli, Co-founder, Cornerhouse, Mr Nicholas Hildyard, CEO, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, Mr Bankole Oloruntoba.
It also includes the Kano Anti-Corruption Commission, Barr Muhyi Magaji, ED, ANEEJ, Rev David Ugolor, ED African Centre for Governance Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, Transparency International, USA, Ms Annalise Burkhart, Recommon, Antonio Tricarico, Hawkmoth co-Founder, Simon Taylor, the media, labour, Civil Society Organisations from Nigeria and Africa among many others.
The international conference reinforced HEDA’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development across Nigeria and West Africa.
You can download the communique of the International Anti-Corruption and Climate Change Here