HEDA Resource Centre

Facebook Youtube Twitter Instagram Linkedin
Report corruption:  08004332277
Search
Sowore CategoriesHEDA News

Sowore: HEDA Condemns DSS Intimidation at Federal High Court, Warns Against Threats to Civic Space and Rule of Law

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has strongly condemned the reported conduct of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court during proceedings involving activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore. In a statement released and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation described the incident as unfortunate, noting that it raises serious concerns about respect for the rule of law, judicial independence and fundamental human rights in Nigeria. Recall that on Wednesday, DSS operatives reportedly blocked lawyers, supporters and members of the public from accessing the courtroom, intimidated citizens within the court premises and restricted movement around the venue. Suraju said the development was particularly troubling given reports that Sowore was forcefully handled by DSS operatives on Monday while similar acts of intimidation and harassment were again reported during Wednesday’s proceedings. According to him, the reported actions, if established, represent a dangerous departure from the standards expected of security agencies in a constitutional democracy and risk undermining public confidence in the administration of justice. “Courts are public institutions established to uphold justice and fairness and should remain accessible to litigants, lawyers, journalists, observers and members of the public. Any action that creates fear or restricts lawful access to court proceedings threatens the openness and transparency that are essential to the judicial process.” He maintained. The group further stressed that the rights to a fair hearing, freedom of expression, freedom of association and access to justice are guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and protected by international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory. HEDA also warned that the recurring use of intimidation, excessive force and arbitrary restrictions within civic and judicial spaces contributes to the shrinking of civic space in Nigeria, discourages public participation and weakens democratic accountability. “We call on the leadership of the DSS to investigate the reported incidents and ensure accountability where misconduct is established. The agency must guarantee that lawyers, journalists, civil society actors, political associates and members of the public are not subjected to intimidation or unlawful restrictions while attending court proceedings.” The organisation further maintained that Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish where courts remain open, accessible and free from intimidation, stressing that courtrooms must remain sanctuaries of justice, fairness and constitutional order rather than theatres of fear.

By 0
Shell logo CategoriesHEDA News

Explosive new documents reveal how Shell executives mismanaged environmental failings in Nigeria

LONDON – Newly released emails from oil giant Shell reveal how its senior executives tried to shift blame and avoid responsibility from devastating oil spills that caused widespread environmental damage in Nigeria. Newly released documents raise serious questions about Shell’s legal liability, after its lawyers have spent a decade arguing in court that oil spills and environmental damage caused by operations in Nigeria were the sole responsibility of its subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC). The documents – including email correspondence, internal memos, presentations and reports – show that not only were senior executives of then parent company Royal Dutch Shell aware of the environmental damage, but were directing subsidiary management how to respond. This included knowingly leaving illegal pipeline connections in place to keep production running and mounting a public relations campaign to deflect public scrutiny. The company has faced widespread criticism over its operations in Nigeria, including a 2023 commission describing an “environmental genocide” that has been “devastating for the health, livelihoods, way of life and wellbeing of individuals and local communities”. A large spill in the Billeand Ogale communities of the Niger Delta is currently the subject of a class action filed by lawyers Leigh Day in the English High Courts. The explosive documents were brought to light when a group of campaigners noted their existence during these legal proceedings and requested their release. The not-for-profit organisations who sought the release of the sensitive documents from the company included Nigerian human rights organisation HEDA (Human & Environmental Development Agenda) and Hawkmoth. Executives named in the recent documents include Shell’s then Executive Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa Ann Pickard, who is now a Director of Australia’s Woodside Energy; Royal Dutch Shell Board Member Malcolm Brinded, Shell International E&P Donald Jacobsen; and, Vice Shell International’s President of Corporate Security, James Hall. Revelations from the documents include: In a 2016 witness statement filed at the start of ongoing legal proceedings, Royal Dutch Shell’s then company secretary Michiel Brandjes stated that: “Royal Dutch Shell is a holding company, not an operating company” and that, “neither [RDS’s] Board nor its Executives ever intended to or acted in a manner which would suggest RDS has “assumed responsibility” for those matters at operating company level. RDS does not exercise operational “control over (Health, Safety, Security & Environment) practices of SPDC’s operations in Nigeria”. Reacting to the document release Olanrewaju Suraju, Chair of HEDA Resource Centre, said: “These documents confirm what our communities have known for decades, that Shell knowingly misled communities and courts while the Niger Delta was left to suffer. “For ten years they hid behind legal fiction and now their own emails and internal documents prove it: they knew environmental damage would occur and they chose to keep polluting. “Every day Shell escapes accountability is another day our people pay with their health, their land, and their lives. Divestment from onshore operations is not an excuse to abdicate liabilities with these revelations.” Hawkmoth and HEDA Resource Centre

By 0
CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA, NIHSA Launch Nationwide Dissemination, Training and Sensitisation on 2026 Annual Flood Outlook Across Nigeria’s Six Geopolitical Zones

HEDA Resource Centre, in collaboration with Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, has announced a nationwide dissemination, training, and sensitisation programme on the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) aimed at strengthening public understanding of flood risks, improving preparedness, and supporting early action across vulnerable communities in Nigeria. The two-day virtual programme will bring together participants from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, including farmers, agricultural cooperatives, community leaders, media professionals, civil society organisations, researchers, humanitarian actors, and personnel from Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Water Resources, and Emergency Management Agencies. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to simplify and disseminate flood forecast information in ways that are practical, accessible, and useful to communities most affected by recurring floods and climate-related disasters. According to HEDA Resource Centre, improving public understanding of flood risks is critical not only for disaster preparedness, but also for protecting agriculture, rural livelihoods, and food security across Nigeria. The organisation noted that farmers remain among the groups most affected by annual flooding, with repeated losses to farmlands, fisheries, livestock, storage facilities, and transportation routes contributing significantly to food insecurity and economic hardship. The dissemination and sensitisation programme is therefore designed to help participants understand flood-prone areas, likely impacts within their regions, and practical preparedness measures that can reduce losses before and during the rainy season. Speaking on the programme, HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, stressed the need to move flood information beyond technical reports into practical community knowledge. “Every year, flood predictions are released, but many communities still do not receive the information in ways they can understand or act upon. This programme is about simplifying the Annual Flood Outlook and ensuring that farmers, local institutions, media organisations, and communities are better prepared ahead of the peak rainfall period,” he said. The sessions will be delivered in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin, and English to ensure wider participation and understanding across different regions of the country. HEDA further called on media organisations, particularly radio stations and community broadcasters, to actively participate in the programme. According to the organisation, the media plays a major role in translating and disseminating flood information to local communities, especially rural populations with limited access to digital platforms and official reports. The organisation maintained that journalists, broadcasters, and media practitioners must understand the Annual Flood Outlook well enough to communicate flood risks responsibly, accurately, and consistently to the public before disasters occur. The programme will cover practical areas including interpretation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook, flood risk communication, early warning dissemination, protection of farmlands and livelihoods, community preparedness measures, and coordinated response planning at community and institutional levels. HEDA also encouraged State Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Water Resources, Emergency Management Agencies, local governments, civil society groups, and community-based organisations to participate actively and support wider dissemination of the flood outlook within their states and communities. The programme is scheduled to hold virtually on May 19 and 20, 2026, with separate regional sessions for participants across Northern and Southern Nigeria.

By
CategoriesArticles Climate change HEDA News

SCP 2026: HEDA TRAINS OVER 500 FARMERS, STAKEHOLDERS IN LOCAL LANGUAGES ACROSS 17 STATES ON SEASONAL CLIMATE FORECAST

In its continual efforts to bridge the information gap between smallholder farmers and climate science, HEDA Resource Centre has trained and sensitised over 500 farmer leaders, cooperative representatives, extension actors, and agricultural stakeholders on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in local languages across 17 states and all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The just-concluded four-day hybrid training programme jointly organized by HEDA Resource Centre, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN), Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), and Association of Small Scale AgroProducers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), was designed to improve farmers’ access to climate information and strengthen their ability to understand, analyse, and utilise seasonal climate forecasts for agricultural decision-making. The initiative also aimed at breaking the communication gap between climate forecasts, policy discussions, and practical implementation at community level. The programme deliberately mobilised participants with strong community reach and influence, including members of farmer cooperatives, extension networks, women farmer groups, and local agricultural associations who are in turn expected to further share lessons from the training within their communities and support wider awareness on climate-smart farming practices during the 2026 farming season. The programme combined virtual training with physical community participation. While sessions were delivered online, local partners across several states mobilised and gathered participants in central locations where they jointly participated in the training and sensitisation sessions. This approach ensured that farmers without smartphones, stable internet access, or digital literacy were not excluded from the programme. Speaking on the initiative, HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, noted that the gap between climate science and the farmer’s field remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing and underappreciated challenges. “Climate information is only useful when the people most affected can understand and apply it. This training is our commitment to closing that gap, not just in English, but in local languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and Pidgin which our farmers speak and understand,” Arigbabu said. The training recorded seven sessions held over four days, covering states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Benue, Nasarawa, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Bayelsa, Plateau, and Taraba. Participants included smallholder crop farmers, livestock keepers, fisheries and aquaculture practitioners, extension agents, agricultural researchers, cooperatives, and personnel from State Ministries of Agriculture. The sessions guided participants through the practical implications of the 2026 SCP for planting calendars and crop variety selection, flood risk awareness and early warning, livestock management under variable rainfall conditions, fisheries and aquaculture planning, soil and water conservation, and post-harvest loss reduction strategies. Lessons also focused on practical actions farmers can take before and during the farming season to improve resilience and food production despite changing climate conditions. Meanwhile, HEDA has called on institutions across sub-nationals, particularly State Ministries of Agriculture across the 36 states, to build on this momentum by ensuring that the 2026 SCP is further cascaded to local government and community levels before and during the planting season. The organization maintained that state governments must work more closely with NiMet to localize climate predictions for their specific agricultural zones and leverage state-owned radio and broadcast media to reach farmers who may not be accessible through virtual platforms. Similarly, the group urged the Federal Government, through its relevant agencies, to invest in expanding community-level climate information systems and extension support. According to HEDA, trained individuals embedded within farming communities can play an important role in translating technical weather and climate advisories into practical guidance that farmers can use throughout the farming season.

By
CategoriesHEDA Publications

Climate Adaptation Finance in Nigeria: Accountability Gaps in the Ecological Fund (HEDA Report)

Enhancing Accountability in Climate Adaptation Finance in Nigeria: Synthesis Report and Case Studies on Ecological Fund This report by HEDA Resource Centre provides a detailed analysis of climate adaptation financing in Nigeria, with a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and effective utilization of the Ecological Fund. As climate challenges continue to impact vulnerable communities across the country, the need for responsible financial management and measurable outcomes has become more urgent than ever. Drawing from field research, case studies, and policy review, the report highlights key gaps in the management of ecological funds, including issues of misallocation, weak oversight, and limited public access to information. It also showcases real-life cases that demonstrate both the challenges and opportunities in ensuring that climate adaptation resources reach the communities that need them most. Beyond identifying problems, the report offers practical recommendations for strengthening governance frameworks, improving monitoring systems, and promoting citizen engagement in tracking climate finance. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, civil society organizations, development partners, and citizens who are committed to advancing environmental justice and sustainable development in Nigeria. Download Full Report Here

By
CategoriesClimate change

Energy Transition Policy Brief

Nigeria’s energy transition is at a critical turning point. This policy brief by HEDA Resource Centre provides a deep analysis of energy transition, fossil fuel divestment, and accountability frameworks in Nigeria, with a strong focus on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NEITI standards, and the Energy Transition Plan (ETP). The report examines key issues such as oil asset divestment in the Niger Delta, Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), and the concept of a just transition, highlighting the risks, gaps, and opportunities for sustainable development. It also outlines actionable recommendations for government agencies, civil society, oil companies, and local communities. If you are a policymaker, researcher, NGO professional, or climate advocate, this report provides valuable insights into how Nigeria can balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity in its transition to a low-carbon future. 👉 Download Nigeria Energy Transition Policy Brief

By
CategoriesHEDA Publications

Review of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), EITI Standard & Energy Transition Plan (ETP)

This report delivers a detailed analysis of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), EITI Standard, NEITI Energy Transition Plan, and the national Energy Transition Plan (ETP). It uncovers key gaps, aligns major policy frameworks, and provides practical recommendations to support a more effective and sustainable energy transition in Nigeria. Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, or energy sector stakeholder, this report offers valuable insights into governance, transparency, and reform within Nigeria’s extractive industries. Download the full report below to access the complete findings and recommendations.

By
CategoriesHEDA News

Job Vacancy: Legal Officer

LOCATION: Ikeja, Lagos. REPORTS TO: Management Position Overview: We are seeking a competent and detail-oriented Legal Officer to provide legal support to our organisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for handling legal research, drafting and reviewing legal documents, supporting litigation processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing legal advisory services to support the organisation’s programmes and operations. Key Responsibilities Qualifications and Requirements How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter to humanresourceshedang.org with the subject line “Application –Legal Officer”

By
CategoriesHEDA News

JOB Vacancy: Programmes Manager (Good governance)

LOCATION: Ikeja, Lagos. REPORTS TO: Programs Director  Position Overview: We are seeking a passionate and dedicated person to join our Good Governance Department. The Programme Manager will lead the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of programs under the Good Governance Department. The role involves overseeing project execution, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, managing stakeholder relationships, and promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation initiatives. The Programme Manager will ensure that all governance-related projects align with the organisation’s strategic objectives and deliver measurable impact. Key Responsibilities: Qualifications and Requirements How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter to humanresourceshedang.org with the subject line “Application – Programmes Manager (Good Governance)”

By
  • Menu

Copyright © 2022 HEDA. All Rights Reserved.

Facebook Twitter Youtube Linkedin Instagram