The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), has commended the decisive actions taken by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under the leadership of Chairman Ola Olukoyede in the pursuit of internal accountability and transparency in the anti-graft agency, therefore called for more investigations among staff across all levels in the Commission. In a recent development and reports in the media, HEDA noted the EFCC’s termination of one of its prosecutors, Offem Uket’s contract, following serious allegations of misconduct and insubordination in the prosecution of the highly controversial and contentious Malabu OPL 245 fraud trial. According to HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, “The EFCC Chairman’s commitment to upholding integrity within its ranks is highly commendable and aligns with the principles of good governance and ethical conduct that our organization, HEDA Resource Centre advocates for in curbing corruption in the country. Considering the media reports of circumstances surrounding the unprecedented adoption of a “no case submission” of defendants in a case prosecuted by Mr. Offem Uket, the international community have not only expressed concerns but monitored the response and action of the Commission to that development. “The reported actions taken by Chairman Olukoyede demonstrate a firm stance against corruption and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct within the EFCC. It is crucial that anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria demonstrate unwavering resolve in tackling corruption at all levels, including within their own organizations. This is capable of reassuring partners of the Commission at local and international levels.” He added. Furthermore, HEDA supports the EFCC’s decision to further investigate any individuals suspected of undermining the agency’s mandate and objectives, noting that corruption erodes public trust and undermines the effectiveness of institutions tasked with upholding justice and accountability. It is imperative that those entrusted with the responsibility of combating corruption operate with the utmost integrity and adherence to ethical standards. “We urge the EFCC to continue his efforts to root out corruption and ensure that all staff, regardless of rank, adhere strictly to the principles of transparency and accountability. This includes thorough investigations into any allegations of bribery or misconduct that may compromise the agency’s ability to deliver justice, including lifestyle audit of some operatives and prosecutors. Chairman Olukoyede’s leadership in initiating these actions, both in this particular case and others before it, underscores the EFCC’s commitment to restoring public confidence and advancing the fight against corruption in Nigeria. HEDA Resource Centre stands ready to continuously support such efforts and calls on all stakeholders including the media and civil society organisations to join hands in the pursuit of a more transparent and accountable fight against corruption.

On the occasion of the 2024 World Recycling Day, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Lagos State Government to recognize waste pickers as essential contributors to recycling efforts and frontline warriors against pollution and climate change. This call to action reflects HEDA’s enduring dedication to fostering sustainable environmental practices. Aligned with this year’s World Recycling Day theme, #RecyclingHeroes, HEDA is engaging with key decision-makers in the environment sector, including the federal and States Ministries of the Environment (especially the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment). The aim is to stimulate a reassessment of the prevailing narrative surrounding waste pickers, emphasizing their critical role in combating pollution and climate change. In furtherance of this objective, HEDA strongly advocates for the integration of waste-separation-at-source into environmental policies, not only in Lagos State but also in other states across the country. HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, emphasized the importance of sorting waste at its origin for the success and profitability of recycling endeavors. He proposed the piloting of waste separation initiatives in selected communities, accompanied by incentives and support for a six-month period to facilitate learning and adaptation, with a view to upscale to all other communities in the state. Such campaign, aimed at behavioral change and paradigm shift, should involve of communities, schools, markets, religious houses, Community Development Associations (CDAs), and Community Development Committees (CDCs) in the state. He added, “Introducing competitions among school children, communities, CDAs, and CDCs to recognize the best-performing entities in waste sorting at the source and waste disposal could serve as incentives for participation and change. Furthermore, HEDA highlights the urgent need to standardize and regulate the activities of waste pickers across the state. Arigbabu stressed the importance of government intervention to ensure the production and rental of government-approved waste carts, with color coding and numbering to differentiate and identify various service providers and pushers. When pickers are organised and regulated, and can be tracked and traced, and also given route and areas to operate, with attachment to registered off takers (collectors), this will curb indiscriminate waste dumping, other criminal or nuisance activities associated with waste pickers, as well as create a conducive environment for recycling investments to thrive. Additionally, HEDA is urging Lagos State Government and other states to consider implementing color-coded waste bags for household and industrial use. HEDA also called upon the Federal Ministry of Environment to explore policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to bolster recycling enterprises and attract investments. Additionally, the organization emphasized the need for federal support in encouraging states to recognize and improve the status of waste pickers across the country. As an organization deeply committed to environment and climate justice and sustainable development, HEDA reaffirms its pledge to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels to promote waste reduction, reuse, recycling initiatives. The organization is a member of the Lagos Recyclers Association (LAGRA) using advocacy and training as tools to bring about a societal level paradigm shift around waste management and recycling.

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the crucial contributions of smallholder women farmers in Nigeria’s quest for food security and a sustainable environment. In a letter addressed to the President, Signed by HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, the organization specifically charges President Tinubu to be more intentional about giving due attention to the contributions of women into agriculture and other nature-based livelihoods. HEDA urged the President to consider bigger and more ambitious public investment directly targeted at promoting inclusion and empowerment for women-owned enterprises and initiatives through key ministries of – Agriculture, Women’s Affairs, Water Resources, Energy, Marine and Blue Economy, and the Environment. The letter also called upon President Tinubu to take leadership of and show a strong commitment to the development of national policy frameworks and actions integrating gender equality into climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. HEDA stressed the importance of facilitating the exchange of best practices among states regarding successful initiatives empowering women in food systems and climate mitigation and adaptation. Highlighting the significance of amplifying the voices of smallholder women farmers in decision-making, the letter emphasized women’s indispensable contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural sector while noting challenges such as limited land ownership, inadequate access to finance and technology, and the burden of climate change. The letter stated that the biggest challenge is the lack of adequate inclusion of women in decision-making in agriculture and climate solutions, in spite of women having more “boots on the ground” than men in these critical areas. Additionally, in a separate writing to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, HEDA urged the initiation of a review of existing land tenure laws to identify and address discriminatory practices against women’s land ownership and inheritance, potentially through community sensitization programs. Whilst commending the Governor for appointing a woman as the commissioner for agriculture, HEDA further tasked Mr. Sanwo-Olu to do much more to give smallholder women farmers a voice and a seat at every level of decision-making. HEDA opined that the governor may wish to consider the setting up of a Gender Equality Task Force to develop an action plan to address women’s inclusion in food systems and other critical sectors of the economy. HEDA also sought the partnership of the Lagos State Government with research institutions and NGOs to develop and disseminate gender-appropriate technologies, along with facilitating training programs on their use and maintenance. Furthermore, HEDA reached out to the National Assembly Senate Committee on Climate Change and Ecology and House Committee on Climate Change, as well as the two agriculture committees of both chambers urging them to champion legislative reforms to promote women’s land rights and access to financial resources for climate-smart agriculture. The organization emphasized the need for oversight functions to hold government agencies accountable for implementing policies and programs supporting women in food and climate justice. Letters were also addressed to other stakeholders, including the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Women Affairs, and Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture among others, with appropriate demands. HEDA expressed confidence that these steps would demonstrate strong government support at all levels for the crucial role of women in achieving food security and climate resilience in Nigeria. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with all stakeholders to provide expertise in developing and implementing strategies toward this goal.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) following the release of the regulatory framework governing asset divestment within the oil and gas sector. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the foremost civil society organization, HEDA underscores the importance of upholding due process in asset divestment transactions. “We commend NUPRC’s emphasis on stringent criteria, including technical capacity, financial viability, and adherence to legal obligations, for potential successor entities,” stated Suraju. The unveiling of terms and conditions by NUPRC marks a pivotal step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the divestment process. Mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NUPRC’s regulatory oversight aims to uphold operational excellence and efficiency across the upstream value chain. In the backdrop of recent developments, the discourse surrounding asset divestment has gained significant traction within the Nigerian oil and gas landscape. The decisions by International Oil Companies to divest assets in response to operational and legal challenges underscore the dynamic nature of the industry. The commitment demonstrated by NUPRC, as articulated by Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive, during the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2024, underscores the commission’s renewed dedication to promoting fair and transparent practices in asset divestment and host community development. Suraju further added, “Furthermore, we (HEDA) acknowledge and encourage NUPRC’s focus on safeguarding national interests, particularly with regard to decommissioning and abandonment, host community trust funds, and environmental sustainability.” HEDA Resource Centre reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting integrity and accountability within the oil and gas sector. The organization encourages continued collaboration between regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations to ensure responsible, sustainable, and environment-friendly management of Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has written to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu SAN and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), urging immediate action to address the neglect and challenges faced by Nigerian citizens in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. In a letter dated March 6, 2024, addressed to the Minister and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, deep concerns were raised regarding the reported neglect of Nigerian citizens in Ivory Coast by Ambassador Martins Adamu. Adamu allegedly openly admitted to prioritizing diplomatic matters over the welfare of Nigerian citizens. The letter highlighted significant issues such as communication barriers, limited access to essential embassy services, and challenges such as exorbitant prices for NIN registration, human trafficking, and incarceration. HEDA urges the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to conduct a thorough review of the Ambassador’s performance and the alleged neglect of diplomatic responsibilities towards the Nigerian community in Ivory Coast. In the same vein, HEDA also wrote to the Director-General, of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, calling the agency’s attention to the disturbing reports of Nigerians incarcerated and facing challenges such as sexual trafficking. “We urge NAPTIP to launch a comprehensive investigation into allegations of human trafficking. This investigation should aim to identify and dismantle trafficking networks, rescue victims, and provide them with necessary support and assistance. Additionally, HEDA further charged the Chairman, of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu SAN to investigate the allegations of extortion and corruption in the National Identification Number (NIN) Registration process being conducted by the Nigerian embassy in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. “We received a call via our toll-free line on a recent happening where an exorbitant fee of (20,000 CFA, approximately N44,000) had been charged to a Nigerian resident by the embassy for NIN registration imposing undue financial burden on the Nigerian community. “We suspect these excessive fees to be a form of corrupt practice, potentially violating relevant Ivorian and Nigerian laws. We therefore urge the ICPC to launch an immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations. HEDA demands that the investigation should examine the fee structure, identify the discrepancies, and determine whether embassy officials are engaging in corrupt practices. The Civil Society organization also further requests appropriate punitive actions against any individuals found to be involved in such activities, as addressing these concerns is crucial to ensuring transparency, accountability, and fair treatment for Nigerians residing in Ivory Coast and everywhere outside the country. HEDA stressed the importance of transparency, open communication, and proactive measures to address the needs and concerns of the Nigerian community in Ivory Coast.

Amidst economic challenges in Nigeria, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urgently called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene in resuscitating the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO). Emphasizing the need for maximum productivity, it also advocates for the return of the Director-General’s office of the Institute back to Lagos from Abuja. Established as a key and foremost research institution in Nigeria in 1953, FIIRO is charged with propelling industrialization by leveraging indigenous resources from the country’s 774 local government areas to boost the nation’s economy and upgrade home-grown production techniques to modern ones. In a letter to President Tinubu, signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group highlights FIIRO’s historical achievements from its Lagos headquarters in Oshodi. However, under the recent leadership, the institute has faltered, with infrastructure decay and minimal output. The letter reads in part, “Since the appointment of the current Director-General of FIIRO, Dr. Jummal A. Tutuwa, and the Board, the institute seems to have forgotten its mandate and productivity. The environment of the institute in Lagos appears like an old dumping ground without any meaningful activities to justify decades of investment in the institute. Suraju further noted that the incompetency can be attributed to the fact that the Director-General’s domiciliation in Abuja and lack of deserving interest in the management and operation of the institute. This has resulted in the decay of infrastructure and zero output from the institute in the last years. However, HEDA called on the President to give necessary directives to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji to resuscitate the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), to ensure its maximum output and productivity. “This should include relocation of the Director-General and other important department from Abuja back to Lagos to save cost and increase efficiency, and investigation into the reason for the current redundant state of the institute. HEDA urged the immediate intervention of President Tinubu, noting that the country is currently experiencing a high inflation rate due to over-reliance on foreign exchange and depleting foreign reserves, and this is the best time for Nigeria’s economic development needs FIIRO to work optimally. The civil group expressed optimism in its request to President Tinubu, adding that it looks forward to the resuscitation of FIIRO and more importantly, Nigeria taking its rightful place of self-sufficiency and non-reliance on other nations in research and industrialization.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading civil society organization, has issued a challenge to the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) regarding its recent claims, demanding transparency and evidence to substantiate several assertions of the institute. It is noteworthy that HEDA recently appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in revitalizing the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO). The organization advocated for the return of the Institute’s Director-General’s office back to Lagos from Abuja, emphasizing the imperative of maximizing productivity through effective leadership presence and focus. In a letter addressed to President Tinubu, HEDA expressed grave concern over the apparent lack of funding, and attention to the management and operation of the institute, resulting in infrastructure decay and below-average outputs in recent years. A statement signed by HEDA’s Communication Officer, Nurudeen Salako, emphasized, “The recent statement issued by the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), regarding the position of the Human and Environmental Development Agency (HEDA Resource Centre), has captured our attention. While FIIRO’s claims of iconic contributions to Nigeria’s economic development are bold, HEDA demands transparency and evidence to substantiate such assertions.” The statement continued to highlight the concern over FIIRO’s dismissal of Mr. Suraju’s remarks without addressing their substance. HEDA challenged FIIRO’s management to provide concrete evidence of their claimed feats and contributions towards industrialization. Nigerians and other stakeholders are living witnesses and can judge between the concerns of HEDA and the claims of the Institute’s leadership. Furthermore, HEDA emphasized the institute’s historical tendency to conceal the truth and mislead the public, citing the case of Dr. Chima Igwe, the former acting Director-General of the institute. “FIIRO’s claims of numerous projects and multi-task training leading to awards and commendations must be supported with specific examples, outcomes, and verifiable data. Mere assertions of engagement in research activities and ongoing renovation works are insufficient without demonstrating tangible results and impacts on socio-economic development.” The civil group urged FIIRO to desist from its deceit, concentrate on its core mandate, and allow the president to accord it deserved attention and funding. In case where the institute insist it is operating at optimum capacity, we challenge it to provide evidence of investor engagements and the outcomes in terms of actual investments and industrial developments. Additionally, transparency in the criteria and judging process for awards was stressed as crucial to lend credibility to FIIRO’s claims. In conclusion, HEDA reiterated its commitment to advocating for accountability and transparency in all sectors of Nigerian society. The organization called upon FIIRO to embrace transparency, address past concerns, and provide itself with 21st-century global relevance to restore the confidence of stakeholders and the public.

Looking different at every occasion might just be one technique Suraju, the Chairman of Nigeria’s most remarkable anti-corruption group has devised to delude corrupt actors who once made an attempt to eliminate him. He was calm and unruffled. He sat on the high table with the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Mr Olanipekun Olukoyode. Hon. Justice Latifat Okunnu and Prof Adele Jinadu sat close to him. For many of his old friends, it was difficult to recognize Olanrewaju Suraju. He had grown beards. He wore an unusual dress that would make it difficult to identify him unless at close scrutiny. Looking different at every occasion might just be one technique Suraju, the Chairman of Nigeria’s most remarkable anti-corruption group has devised to delude corrupt actors who once made an attempt to eliminate him. For instance, in 2022 at midnight, armed men stormed his house. They did not come to steal but took away valuables, perhaps as a decoy. The deal, it appeared, was to kill or at least warn him that corruption has the means and ways to fight back, anywhere, anyhow, and anytime. The storming of his house was with precision: the time, the break-in, the stealth, the gadgets employed, and the expertise of the invaders indicated they were professional. There have been several other threats to him, his soulmate, Sulaimon Arigbabu, and the staff who are usually on edge at the close of work each day for constant fear of being trailed. This has not deterred the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre) in the vigorous pursuit of the Nigerian cruel but powerful sleaze network. The travails of the group, for 20 years now, clearly show that the fight against corruption in Nigeria is like a fight with a lion right in its den. The consequences are life-threatening. Fighting corruption in Nigeria is like walking barefoot on a rope adorned with blade edges. This is why it is remarkable that for 20 years, a Nigerian organisation HEDA Resource Centre has been confronting the lion in its den. At the anniversary held in Lagos this week, which I attended, the EFCC Chairman lamented the vicious hearts of Nigerian cartel of powerful rogues. He said after he assumed office, he suddenly developed strands of grey hairs in months. He sometimes leaves his office at 1 am in the morning, yet goes home with unfinished files. He narrated one incident recently, when on the last day of the previous year, billions of naira were being illicitly transferred by politically exposed persons. He watched the illegal transfers on his security screen forcing him to step aside from the New Year praise and worship night to take decisive action against the complicit bank accounts. They were cronies of Government ministries moving illegal cash not spent during the previous year. If there is a major problem hunting Nigeria, it is the audacity of corruption in high and low places. In the last half a century, experts think funds stolen from Nigeria are enough to build a new, prosperous country. Corruption has become the monster that rules public and private services. Many politicians in Nigeria see the theft of public funds as habitual. Budgets have become mere yearly rituals. Professor Jinadu at the event said in many instances, the motivating factor for public service seems to be access to public wealth. Fronts are created to launder public money through exaggerated contracts, over-invoicing, outright stealing of funds to budget manipulation, and kickbacks. There is institutionalized corruption. This comes in the form of bogus self-awarded salaries, perks, privileges, constituency allowances, and legally protected sleaze. Apart from the corrupt practices of highly placed people, artisans, and professionals wear the dirty garb of graft making the cancerous plaque the addiction of the rich and poor. In his remarks, Olukoyode regretted that corruption is defended viciously by its practitioners, local and international capons, powerful people, and rulers of darkness who do everything possible to sustain the rot. It is this hegemon that HEDA Resource Centre decided, for the past twenty years to confront with all its strength. The EFCC Chairman described HEDA Resource Centre as one of the most ‘prolific’ anti-corruption civil society organisations in Nigeria.Led by a formidable team of men and women, with two icons, Olanrewaju Suraju and Sulaimon Arigbabu at the captain’s seat, the Centre has continued to strike the sky like a comet that awes politically exposed persons. One of the most remarkable corruption cases exposed by HEDA Resource Centre was the Malabu oil scam. It involved the transfer of about $1.1billion dollars by two Nigerian oil giants through Nigerian government officials to the account of a former Minister of Petroleum. About half of the fund went into the account of another Nigerian individual who owns an oil company. The crook fronted for many government officials under the Government of Mr Goodluck Jonathan who ruled Nigeria for six years. When HEDA Resource Centre launched this campaign in 2016, every effort including espionage, threat to life, sending armed agents to the office, phone bugs, spying, and trailing of its workers at the anti-corruption institution was made to hack down, blackmail or intimidate the group. The scam was linked to OPL-245. In the face of poisoned arrows fired at the organisation’s officials at the homefront, international anti-corruption groups, RE: Common, Corner House, and Global Witness rose in defense of HEDA Resource Centre and its team as the case took center stage in Italy and Holland where for the first time, the governments of those countries saw the rare determination of a Nigerian anti-corruption group that risked everything including their lives for a transparent country where the Federal Government was found wanting and even complicit. The Malabu case saw at least some $190m paid to the account of the former Nigerian oil Minister frozen by a London Court. Local and international campaigns of the group are deafening. HEDA was at the United Kingdom Parliament to press against aiding corruption by the international