The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a prominent anti-corruption organization in Nigeria, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to prosecute two senior judges recently indicted for falsifying their ages. In a petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the group urged the ICPC to take decisive legal action against Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Kadi Babagana, Grand Kadi of Yobe State Sharia Court. The call follows the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) recommendation for their compulsory retirement at its meeting on November 13-14, 2024. According to the NJC, Justice Chikeka altered his birth year from 1956 to 1958, while Kadi Babagana falsified his birth year from 1952 to 1959. Both were ordered to refund all salaries and allowances received beyond their lawful retirement dates. While acknowledging the NJC’s disciplinary action, HEDA emphasized that this step alone is insufficient. “This offense is egregious and violates the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000. We, therefore, demand that the Commission diligently prosecute these judges who have been thoroughly investigated and indicted,” Suraju stated. The civil society organization stressed that age falsification by senior judicial officers not only contravenes ethical and legal standards but also erodes public confidence in the judiciary. “This is about restoring integrity and accountability in public institutions,” Suraju added. HEDA reiterated its commitment to supporting the ICPC in its mission to combat corruption and promote transparency. “We look forward to swift action from the Commission,” the petition concluded. Meanwhile, this development underscores HEDA’s ongoing efforts to ensure public accountability in Nigeria’s institutions, particularly within the judiciary.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) in collaboration with the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), set to organize a Train-the-Trainer Workshop on the Interpretation and Application of Climate Prediction and Flood Forecasting Tools for States and NGOs. This initiative, part of the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project, is in partnership with Oxfam and Community Action for Food Security (CAFS). The regional workshop, scheduled to take place in Abuja, Akwa-Ibom, Kano, Adamawa and Oyo from December 18 to December 27, 2024, aims to address the persistent challenges associated with the dissemination and understanding of climate-related information in Nigeria. According to HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, despite the timely and reliable Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) and flood forecasts provided by NiMet and NIHSA, there is still a significant gap exists in the interpretation and practical use of this information at the grassroots level. “Key stakeholders, such as environmental and agricultural development officers, often face difficulties translating these forecasts into actionable plans. This gap increases vulnerabilities in critical areas like agriculture, food security, and disaster preparedness, especially as climate shocks like floods and droughts continue to have severe consequences.” He added. Stressing the importance of the training, Arigbabu further noted that the workshop aims to bridge this gap by enhancing the technical capacity of environmental and agricultural officers. Participants will learn advanced skills to accurately interpret SCP and flood forecasts and apply this knowledge to guide communities in adopting climate-resilient practices. This capacity-building effort will support decision-making within state ministries of agriculture, environment, and planning, ultimately improving climate-responsive planning and interventions. The workshop will also address barriers that hinder effective communication of climate forecasts. These barriers include language challenges, technical complexity, and inadequate outreach strategies. By overcoming these obstacles, the project will ensure that climate data reaches and benefits those who need it most, enhancing the resilience of Nigerian communities to climate risks. This workshop strengthens collaboration between NiMet, NIHSA, HEDA, and regional stakeholders, aiming to improve access to climate information for frontline communities. The initiative further reflects HEDA’s commitment to promoting sustainable development, environmental justice, and community resilience in the face of climate challenges.

The leading civil society organisation in Nigeria, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to extend its corruption prosecutions to the leadership of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). This follows the recent filing of charges against contractors allegedly involved in unexecuted projects paid for by TETFund. In a petition addressed to ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, and signed by HEDA Chairman Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, the anti-corruption organization commended the Commission for filing charges against Paul Chukwuma and Fides Et Ratio Academy Ltd on September 10, 2024, as well as Adedeji Ladipo and Pole Global Marketing Limited on September 20, 2024. These charges stemmed from allegations of corruption and money laundering tied to unexecuted contracts. However, HEDA expressed concern that the leadership of TETFund, which authorized these contracts in violation of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) regulations, has yet to be held accountable. The civil society organization argued that the alleged offenses of the contractors were made possible through actions initiated by the hierarchy of TETFund, making them co-conspirators in the corruption scheme. “Paying for unexecuted contracts in violation of extant laws not only robs Nigeria but also deprives Nigerians of essential infrastructure,” the petition stated. HEDA urged the ICPC to demonstrate impartiality and ensure that both public officials and private institutions involved in corrupt practices are prosecuted diligently and without bias. The petition further emphasized that prosecuting all parties involved is necessary to reinforce public trust in anti-corruption efforts and to serve as a deterrent to others. HEDA’s demand underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling corruption, where accountability extends beyond contractors to include the government officials who facilitate such malpractices. HEDA’s call for action comes after its initial petition dated April 29, 2024, and a follow-up request for information on November 4, 2024, seeking updates on the investigation. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice in public institutions.

In a bid to tackle corruption and demand accountability, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to collaborate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in investigating and prosecuting Robert and Mimie Oshodin for their alleged involvement in the diversion of public funds and money laundering connected to former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd). In a petition signed by HEDA and signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the anti-corruption organization alleged that the Oshodins acted as conduits for the illicit transfer of millions of naira and dollars under the guise of “consulting services” and “special operations” shortly after Dasuki’s appointment as NSA. According to a recent investigative report published by PremiumTimes, an online news platform, the couple received N270 million and several other payments, including a $12 million transfer in 2014 for a purported “counter-radicalization campaign.” The funds were allegedly laundered through real estate acquisitions in the United States. The report revealed that the Oshodins used their California-based firm, 1812 Corporation, to purchase high-value properties, including a $9.5 million historic mansion in Los Angeles and the Dorothy Chandler Estate near Washington, D.C., acquired just days apart. Additional properties, totaling nearly $24 million, were purchased between 2012 and 2015 in locations such as Los Angeles, McLean, and Virginia. HEDA expressed concern over the scale of the illicit financial flows, noting that Nigeria loses approximately $18 billion annually to such activities, according to the Attorney General of the Federation. The organization called for the EFCC and FBI to collaborate in tracing and repatriating the stolen assets while ensuring the Oshodins’ prosecution is speedily concluded and illicit assets forfeited. “This case underscores the urgent need for global partnerships to address financial crimes that undermine Nigeria’s development,” Suraju stated in the petition. “We demand that the EFCC and FBI take swift action to recover these assets and hold the perpetrators accountable.” HEDA reaffirmed its support for the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption and emphasized the importance of decisive action in high-profile cases to restore public trust and deter future offenses.

The coalition of Civil Society Organizations, community leaders, and concerned citizens from across Nigeria are calling on President Bola Tinubu to sustain the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) rejection of Shell’s request to sell its remaining shares in the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to the Renaissance consortium. Other international oil corporations, such as TotalEnergies, are also attempting to sell their stakes in SPDC and other Nigerian onshore oil assets. We state categorically that any approval of Shell’s and Total’s requests would weaken regulatory independence, ignore the interests of the Niger Delta communities, jeopardize the environmental and social well-being of the region for generations to come, and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty. Collectively signed by Nnimmo Bassey  of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF); Dr. Isaac ‘Asume’ Osuoka – Social Action Nigeria; Olanrewaju Suraju – HEDA Resource Centre; Okon – Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre; Akinbode Oluwafemi- Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA); Idoreyin Bassey- League of Queens International Empowerment; Tijah Bolton-Akpan – Policy Alert; Ken Henshaw – We the People; Rita Uwaka – Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria; David Ugolor – Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ); Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi – Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) Odey Friday – Accountability Lab; International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC); Arochukwu Ogbonna – Civil Rights Council and Josesphine Alabi – Keen and Care Initiative. Others include: Mfon Utin – Healthy Life Development initiative; Comraade Cynthia Buluebiere Bright – Gbolekekro Women Empowerment And Development Organization (GWEDO); Auwal Musa Rafsanjani – Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC); Cookey Tammy Ph.D – Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD); Umo Isua-Ikoh – Peace Point Development Foundation; Friday Nbani – Lekeh Development Foundation; Amanie Stella  – Society for Women and Youths Affairs (SWAYA); Martha Agbani, Lokiaka Community Development Centre; Akpobari Celestine – People’s Advancement Centre; Ogoni Solidarity Forum; Dr Chido Onumah- Africa Centre for Media and Information Literacy ( AFRICMIL). To Download Full Report, Click HERE