Nurudeen Salako - HEDA Resource Centre

HEDA Petitions EFCC Over Alleged Money Laundering Involving Fayose, Obasanjo

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding a full investigation into an alleged money-laundering transaction involving former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In the petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the civil society organization referenced a report by The Nigeria Lawyer on 25 November 2025, which stated that Mr. Fayose admitted to giving former President Obasanjo $20,000 cash as “travel logistics” for attending his 65th birthday celebration in Lagos. The organisation noted that former President Obasanjo also publicly confirmed returning the money in cash. Meanwhile, HEDA maintained that the exchange constitutes a breach of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which limits cash transactions to ₦5 million for individuals and mandates that higher sums be conducted through financial institutions. The group noted that Section 19 of the Act prescribes penalties for violations. According to Suraju, the statements credited to both men amount to an admission of a financial transaction carried out in cash well beyond the legal threshold, therefore the development requires immediate and diligent investigation and prosecution. The civil group further urged the anti-graft agency to act swiftly, warning that failure to address the incident could undermine ongoing efforts to curb money laundering and de-dollarise the Nigerian economy. HEDA cited the recent conviction of Mr. Precious Uzondu for conducting business in foreign currency as an example of the Commission’s renewed enforcement drive. HEDA reiterated its commitment to accountability and called on the EFCC to demonstrate independence and uphold the rule of law by treating the allegation with the seriousness it deserves.

December 23, 2025December 23, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako

Anti-corruption HEDA News

International Anti-Corruption Day: Embrace integrity, HEDA urges youth

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) on Tuesday unveiled the ninth edition of its Compendium of 100 High-Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria 2025, marking International Anti-Corruption Day with a renewed call for youth participation in building a transparent and accountable nation. Speaking at the event held at Shoregate Hotel, Ikeja GRA, HEDA Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, welcomed representatives from civil society, government agencies, media and youth organisations, saying their presence reflected a shared commitment to exposing graft and demanding accountability. He said this year’s theme, “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,” resonates with Nigeria because youths remain the country’s largest demographic and greatest resource for transformative leadership. Arigbabu stressed that corruption weakens institutions, frustrates development and denies citizens especially the vulnerable access to justice and basic services. He said the 2025 Compendium captures concluded and ongoing cases, asset forfeitures, judicial delays, political interference and landmark interventions, while also profiling corruption cases across Africa. Arigbabu urged media professionals, civil society groups and young Nigerians to use the publication for research, advocacy, enlightenment and reform. In a goodwill message, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young Nigerians to become frontline advocates against corruption. Representing the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu (SAN), Mrs. Mary Omonoyan described the theme as strategically relevant, noting that youths are not only future leaders but present-day influencers. She highlighted youth-focused programmes of the Commission such as essay competitions, NYSC sensitisation, anti-corruption clubs in secondary schools and student vanguards in tertiary institutions. She said these initiatives help thousands of young Nigerians internalise ethics and accountability, while series such as ICPC’s Integrity Lectures and Youth Dialogues encourage constructive engagement and behaviour change. Former Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, Mr. Muhyi Magaji, delivered the keynote address, urging youths to embrace honesty, fairness, courage, and responsibility. Sharing his experiences of intimidation and arrest during his anti-graft efforts, he said his work included blocking transactions totalling over N700 million involving the Kano Agricultural Supply Company and seizing assets allegedly diverted. He insisted that Nigeria’s future stability depends on strengthening institutions rather than weakening them for political convenience. According to him, corruption lies at the heart of governance failures affecting unemployment, healthcare and public services. He urged youths to reject corruption as a survival model and reminded them that “integrity pays, no matter what happens.” Reviewing the Compendium, social critic Mr. Adeola Soetan said although the book is “beautiful in concept, vision and purpose,” it reveals “the beauty of an ugly compact,” exposing how deeply corruption has infiltrated public systems. Soetan observed that corruption cuts across ethnic, religious and professional lines, uniting Nigerians in ways ethnicity and religion fail to do. He noted widespread complicity, involving doctors, lawyers, accountants, media practitioners and even self-acclaimed activists. Soetan criticised judicial delays, particularly when judges are elevated or transferred after presiding over cases for years, forcing trials to restart and diminishing public interest. He urged media organisations to follow corruption cases beyond arraignment and insisted that anger alone cannot solve the problem unless citizens act responsibly. The National Orientation Agency, represented by Mrs. Zandra Eguavoen, praised HEDA’s commitment to accountability and transparency, describing the event as a powerful civic engagement that advances ethical conduct across public and private sectors. The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, represented by Mrs. Oluwakemi Peter, commended HEDA for creating an indispensable reference tool that aids understanding of the magnitude of corruption in Nigeria. She said corruption undermines consumer rights, economic growth and public trust, and called for collective responsibility in addressing it. A youth panel rounded off the event with reflections on why young people must champion Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. A representative of the Nigerian Bar Association Young Lawyers Froum Ikeja branch, Chinwe Anyanwu, said youths must be guided by strong values and encouraged by role models in authority. Chairman of the National Youth Council, Lagos State Chapter, Engr. Adigun Olalekan, emphasised the need for intentional youth involvement in national policies and outlined the Council’s transparency initiatives, including public presentation of audited accounts. Lagos State University law student, Abdullahi Adesina, said education remains the strongest tool for instilling integrity, while University of Lagos law student, Peter Ajuri, reminded youths that corruption starts in everyday behaviour and honesty is required not merely for society’s benefit but as a fundamental moral obligation. The gathering ended with a shared call for a renewed culture of accountability, with participants affirming that Nigeria can only rise if integrity becomes a celebrated national value rather than a risky exception.

December 23, 2025December 23, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako

HEDA's Executive Secretary Sulaimon Arigbabu

Anti-corruption HEDA News

Corruption not merely a financial crime but a development crisis – HEDA

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) Executive Secretary Sulaimon Arigbabu, has said the unveiling of the ninth edition of the compendium reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and civic engagement. Arigbabu described corruption as “not merely a financial crime but a development crisis” that erodes public trust and deprives citizens of essential services. He encouraged youths, lawyers, media professionals, and civil society actors to use the compendium as a tool for advocacy, research, and public enlightenment. Similarly, speaking on the broader context of corruption, Adeola Soetan, a public affairs analyst, described Nigeria’s corruption landscape as “both beautiful and awkward” during the compendium presentation. He cited high-profile cases, including embezzlement by public officials and business leaders, and underscored systemic issues such as judicial delays, political interference, and technical legal manoeuvres that allow perpetrators to evade accountability. He praised whistleblowers, civil society, and anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC for their roles in exposing malpractices. Representatives of key institutions also delivered goodwill messages. Nita Chikura, representing ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), urged stronger youth involvement, citing programmes such as Anti-Corruption Clubs in schools and Student Anti-Corruption Vanguards in tertiary institutions. Zandra Eguavoen of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) highlighted the role of youths in national value renewal and civic responsibility, while Oluwakemi Peters of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) called for collective action across sectors to combat corruption and protect consumer rights. Mary Omonoyan of ICPC further encouraged youths to adopt innovative approaches, using digital platforms and tech initiatives to expose corrupt acts, promote accountability, and foster social responsibility. She also warned against prioritising material wealth over civic and moral obligations, urging parents and communities to instil ethical values in children from an early age. Concluding the event, stakeholders agreed that corruption can only be effectively tackled through collective engagement, ethical leadership, and practical initiatives. They reaffirmed the centrality of Nigerian youths in driving a culture of integrity and shaping a corruption-free future.

December 23, 2025December 23, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako

Climate change

HEDA Empowering 300 Agriculture Stakeholders with Climate Forecasts, Smarter Farming

In a bid to strengthen the capacity of agricultural stakeholders to adapt to climate variability and build resilience within food systems in Nigeria, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) organized a virtual training on seasonal climate forecasts. About 300 participants from across Nigeria and several African countries actively engaged in the training. The training targeted farmers, extension agents, researchers, agribusiness actors, and public sector officials, equipping them with the skills to interpret and apply climate data for improved agricultural planning and risk management. Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, emphasized the urgent need to empower frontline actors in agriculture with actionable climate intelligence. “As climate change continues to pose a serious threat to food security and livelihoods in Nigeria, it is imperative that those who produce our food understand how to interpret and act on climate forecasts,” Arigbabu stated. “This training was not just about data; it was about survival, resilience, and smarter decisions. We believe that democratizing access to climate information will lead to better outcomes in agricultural productivity, disaster preparedness, and community well-being,” he added. The training featured expert contributions from key national agencies, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which provided practical sessions on climate patterns, flood risk assessment, and their implications for agriculture and public health. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) were also on hand to enlighten participants on efforts of the government to support climate-sensitive agriculture. Participants were divided into three thematic tracks: Cereals/Grains/Legumes, Livestock, and Tubers/Vegetables. Each track was led by specialists from major research institutions such as the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), and an aquaculture expert, Mr. Toba Tiamiyu, who provided insights into adapting fish farming to climate variability. The session also featured sector-specific forecast presentations, group advisory development, and interactive question-and-answer engagements. Stakeholders exchanged experiences and shared best practices on how to integrate climate forecasts into their daily operations and long-term planning. HEDA Resource Centre reaffirms its commitment to supporting climate-resilient agriculture and calls on both government and private sector actors to prioritize the dissemination and use of climate information in agricultural policies and programs.

June 30, 2025June 30, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako

Climate change

Mokwa Flood Disaster: HEDA Leads Relief, Solidarity, Advocacy Efforts in Niger State

Following the devastating floods in Mokwa, HEDA Resource Centre, alongside partners, visited affected communities, donated essential relief materials, and called for long-term, sustainable interventions to rebuild lives and infrastructure. A recent on-ground visit by HEDA Resource Centre to communities in Mokwa, Niger State, revealed the shocking extent of destruction caused by the floodwaters. Roads, homes, and public infrastructure were left in ruins, underscoring the urgent need for resilient infrastructure planning. The team documented the devastation and captured critical visual evidence, which has been shared with relevant authorities. This data will support advocacy for long-term climate adaptation strategies and sustainable solutions capable of withstanding future disasters. In a show of empathy and partnership, HEDA extended a formal condolence letter to Governor Umaru Bago, conveying heartfelt solidarity with the government and people of Niger State. The letter included insights from our field visit and reaffirmed HEDA’s commitment to ongoing support. As the communities begin to rebuild, we urge the government and stakeholders to prioritize recovery efforts and integrate sustainable development initiatives that build long-term resilience. In collaboration with partners including Climate and Sustainable Development Network; and Natural Justice — the HEDA team visited Tiffin Maza in the Anguwan Hausawa area. There, we engaged directly with flood victims, listened to their heart-wrenching stories, and assessed their most pressing needs. One resident said, “We lost everything—our homes, our crops, our livelihoods. We need help to rebuild.” These voices guide our advocacy and inspire our intervention. As part of the African Activists for Climate Justice Consortium, HEDA and its partners delivered essential relief materials to vulnerable families affected by the floods. The donations included: These items are more than material support they are symbols of hope, resilience, and the collective spirit of humanity. HEDA remains steadfast in its mission to support affected communities and advocate for climate justice.

June 30, 2025June 30, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako

Climate change

HEDA Congratulates EFCC Chairman on Prestigious Award

The Human and Environmental Developmental Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has extended warm congratulations to the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, following his receipt of a Certificate of Recognition from the Canadian High Commission. This prestigious award acknowledges Olukoyede’s outstanding contributions to combating transnational crime. According to the leading civil society organisation, the EFCC has played a crucial role in curbing organized crime, strengthening security, and promoting justice under Olukoyede’s leadership. The commission’s efforts in tackling financial fraud, vehicle trafficking, online exploitation, and drug smuggling have garnered international recognition. HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju commended Olukoyede’s leadership and the EFCC’s commitment to professionalism, expressing pride in their achievements and looking forward to continued collaboration in the fight against corruption and financial crimes. The organization celebrated this milestone as a testament to the EFCC’s dedication to justice and security.

June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako

Climate change

HEDA Sets Anti-Corruption, Good Governance Agenda for Tinubu at Mid-Term Mark; Commended EFCC on handing over of recovered 753 Houses to Government

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks two years in office under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged the administration to recalibrate its governance strategy with a renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and inclusive development. In a statement signed by its HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation acknowledged key strides made by the current administration but emphasized that the country’s worsening poverty rate, weak anti-corruption mechanisms, and erosion of democratic accountability demand urgent intervention. Suraju noted that while commendable efforts have been recorded by anti-corruption agencies and reforms in the passport issuance process, the legal autonomy granted to local governments, Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and infrastructure development, the impact of economic reforms has been severely undercut by inflation, rising debt, and unaddressed corruption scandals. “President Tinubu came into power at a time when Nigerians were yearning for credible leadership, economic stability, and justice. Two years later, while some progress has been made, millions of Nigerians are still trapped in multidimensional poverty, insecurity persists, and anti-corruption enforcement remains challenging,” Suraju noted. HEDA further called on the Tinubu administration to demonstrate greater political will by prosecuting high-profile individuals implicated in corruption scandals, particularly within key ministries, departments and agencies. It expressed concern that the much-publicized Conditional Cash Transfer programme and other social investment schemes have been marred by lack of transparency and poor monitoring mechanisms. The group also urged the government to publish regular audit reports, enforce the Freedom of Information Act, and empower anti-graft institutions to operate independently and without political interference. “Much of the hardship in the country is exacerbated by unbridled public spending, such as billions allocated for luxury vehicles for lawmakers, religious pilgrimages, and underused official residences, at a time when universities remain underfunded and basic amenities are scarce,” Suraju stated. HEDA stressed the importance of institutionalizing reforms that go beyond superficial palliatives. It pointed to the need for a stronger justice system, improved citizen engagement, and protection of civil liberties. The group criticized the heavy-handed response to peaceful protests like the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations and called for greater tolerance of dissent in a democratic setting. HEDA further commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on the recent official handing over of 753 housing units recovered from the immediate past Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele to the federal government for management, and demand transparency and accountability in the administration and allocation of the recovered proceeds of crimes to victims of Emefiele’s corrupt activities. “As the country navigates the next two years of Tinubu’s administration, it is imperative to place citizens’ welfare and institutional integrity at the heart of governance. We urge the President to lead a national reorientation process that prioritize accountability, competence, and service delivery across all levels of government.” He added.

June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako

Climate change

HEDA Sues FG, Oil Giants Over Alleged Unlawful Oil Licence Transfer

The Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre has dragged Federal Government, multinational oil companies and Nigerian government agencies before the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenging the legality of a major oil asset divestment deal. In the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/850/25, filed by Kunle Adegoke, SAN, HEDA is seeking the court’s determination on whether the transfer of interests in oil mining lease assets by Eni Societa Per Azioni, Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, and Oando PLC was carried out in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and other relevant regulatory frameworks. The civil society group alleges that the transaction was conducted in breach of several statutory provisions, including the Guidelines for Obtaining Minister’s Consent to Assignment of Interest in Oil and Gas Assets (2021), the Upstream Petroleum Environmental Regulations (2022), the Gas Flaring, Venting and Methane Emissions Regulations (2023), and the Upstream Petroleum Environmental Remediation Regulations (2024). Joined in the suit as defendants are the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. HEDA is asking the court to declare the transaction unlawful, invalid, and of no legal effect, claiming that proper legal and environmental procedures were not followed. The organisation is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the relevant government agencies from recognising or approving the deal, and an order of nullification of any ministerial consent already granted. In a statement, HEDA’s Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, said the legal action was part of the organisation’s long-standing commitment to ensuring transparency, environmental justice, and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s extractive sector. “This suit is about more than just a corporate deal, it’s about the integrity of our regulatory systems and the future of environmental governance in Nigeria,” Suraju said. “We cannot continue to allow powerful interests to bypass laws meant to protect citizens, the environment, the economy, and integrity of the country.” The organisation maintains that the case represents a significant test of the Nigerian government’s willingness to enforce the PIA and uphold accountability in the oil and gas industry. With this legal step, HEDA aims to set a precedent that oil licence transfers and divestments must strictly adhere to Nigerian law, especially in an era where environmental sustainability and responsible governance are paramount.

June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako

Climate change

Federal High Court Grants HEDA’s Application to Compel FG to Release Gas Flaring Data

In a landmark judgment affirming the public’s right to environmental accountability and transparency, the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted the application of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), compelling the Federal Government of Nigeria to release critical information on gas flaring activities in the country. Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/251/2021, Justice A.O Faji ruled in favour of HEDA’s request for an order of mandamus, thereby directing the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Minister of Finance to provide detailed data on oil and gas companies flaring gas in Nigeria between 2015 and 2020. Specifically, the Court ordered the Respondents to release the following: Names of all oil and gas companies involved in gas flaring in Nigeria; Volumes of gas flared by each company; Penalties due from the companies for gas flaring; and Actual penalties paid within the five-year period. The judgment, upheld HEDA’s position that public access to such data is fundamental to environmental justice and national accountability. Despite efforts by the Respondents’ legal team to have the suit struck out, the Court held that the application had merit and granted the reliefs sought. This legal victory stems from HEDA’s broader campaign for environmental justice, climate accountability, and transparent governance in Nigeria’s extractive sector. HEDA had initiated the suit after repeated Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to Ministry of Petroleum Resources with President as Minister and Finance Minister went unacknowledged. Reacting to the judgment, HEDA’s Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, described the Court’s decision as a major win for environmental rights defenders, anti-corruption advocates, and the Nigerian public. “This is a precedent-setting judgment. It affirms the power of civic engagement and the relevance of the judiciary in protecting environmental rights. With this ruling, the Government is compelled to be transparent about the operations of oil and gas companies and the true environmental cost of their activities,” said Suraju. He emphasized that HEDA will continue to pursue full enforcement of the judgment and advocate for sanctions against erring corporations, in addition to pressing for the utilization of gas flaring penalties for climate adaptation and development initiatives. HEDA calls on all stakeholders including civil society, the media, and the international community to join in demanding accountability from both the Nigerian Government and extractive companies operating in the country. This case reaffirms the importance of judicial action in enforcing transparency and environmental justice, especially where administrative silence has failed the public interest.

June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako

Climate change

Nigeria’s Judiciary Faces Credibility Crisis: HEDA’s Latest LAR Report Calls for Urgent Reform

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has issued a sobering assessment of Nigeria’s judicial system in its fifth Leadership Approval Rating (LAR) report, “Voice for Justice: A civic Lens on Nigeria’s Judicial System – Documenting Public Experience Opinions, and Reform Demands. The recently and widely-reported launch in Lagos, the report paints a stark portrait of public disillusionment with judiciary and demands urgent, far-reaching reforms. Based on a nationwide survey of 1,357 Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the findings reveal widespread perception of corruption, inaccessibility, and political interference within the judiciary. HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, described the report as “a mirror held up to power,” reflecting the lived experience of citizens rather than abstract statistics. The key findings of the report include: Only 12% of the respondents rated the judiciary as highly accessible while 36.5% described accessibility as low. Half of those surveyed had never interacted with the courts, and when interaction occurred, they were mostly administrative such as obtaining affidavits or settling land disputes, rather than seeking substantive justice. Nearly half (49%) submitted to paying or “sorting” court officials, and 65.4% believed judicial corruption is high or extremely high. Beyond corruption and inefficiency, the judiciary was also seen as complicit in broader rights violations: 60% of respondents accused it of enabling police abuses and imposing excessive bail conditions. To address these challenges, the report calls for a comprehensive reform agenda including full judicial autonomy and restructuring of the NJC, improved pay, welfare, and security for judges, stronger anti-corruption enforcement, greater transparency, such as livestreamed court proceedings and the use of body-worn cameras, among others. Arigbabu stressed that the recommendations are not optional, but necessary steps to restore public trust and uphold democracy. He emphasized that many reforms require not new policies, but better applications of existing rules, such as reducing unnecessary adjournments and ensuring timely reviews of remand orders. Speaking at the launch, HEDA’s Senior Program Consultant, Sina Odugbemi urged civic actors, media, and citizens to intensify efforts in exposing corruption and advocating for change. “Corruption is everywhere, and we must expose it. We need journalism that digs deeper and citizens who demand accountability.” he said. HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, echoed these sentiments, affirming HEDA’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s institutions. “This report is a call to action. Public instituitons must be answerable to the people they serv. Together, we can rise to the challenge and transform the judiciary for the better.” As Nigeria’s judiciary stands at a crossroads, the message from citizens is clear: reforms are urgently needed and the time to act is now.

June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako