In a proactive move against corruption in Nigeria, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) is organizing an interactive session with influential stakeholders. This session will explore strategic approaches to combating corruption on an international scale, featuring insights from Mr. Jonathan Fanton, the former president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, renowned for his extensive expertise in philanthropy and academia. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, emphasized the critical need for stakeholders’ engagement in the interactive session. He underscored the importance of assessing the current situation and proposing effective measures to mitigate the impact of corruption in Nigeria. The session aims to pave the way forward for Nigeria to become a corrupt-free nation. The interactive dialogue, involving Mr. Jonathan Fanton, civil society organizations, and the media, will specifically focus on the strategic fight against corruption through international mechanisms. The round-table will provide a platform for participants to share impactful stories and experiences in combating corruption. The overarching goal is to assess the present situation and pinpoint opportunities for meaningful stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, HEDA  recognizes the multifaceted nature of corruption and its far-reaching consequences. In addition to the strategic focus on international mechanisms, the organization is keen on fostering collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen domestic anti-corruption efforts. This holistic approach involves not only identifying external influences but also addressing internal challenges that contribute to corruption. By bringing together diverse perspectives, including those from civil society, the media, and Mr. Jonathan Fanton’s wealth of experience, the interactive session aims to cultivate a comprehensive strategy for combating corruption at both national and international levels. Through collective insights and shared experiences, participants will not only assess the current landscape but also collaboratively identify actionable steps to fortify the fight against corruption, creating a roadmap for sustainable change in Nigeria.

In response to the escalating challenges posed by climate change, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) collaborating with the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), Oxfam, and the Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance to host a one-day high-level workshop. The event, themed “Ramping Up Access to Climate Information Services for National Development and Food Security in Nigeria,” aims to address the critical role of climate information in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on the nation’s development and food security. Climate change remains a formidable threat to Nigeria and the global community, with severe impacts on lives and livelihoods. The workshop recognizes the potential reversal of gains made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and revitalizing Nigeria’s economy. Climate change exacerbates insecurity and poses a significant risk to food and nutritional security, particularly affecting the agriculture sector and farming communities. The rising frequency of extreme weather events, including flooding, heatwaves, windstorms, sandstorms, and land and coastal erosion, underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges. The workshop aims to assemble high-level stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for improving access to climate information services. Recognizing the indispensable role of these services in national development planning, as well as ensuring food and nutritional security, the event seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among experts. As the workshop unfolds, participants anticipate meaningful discussions and the development of actionable plans to address the challenges posed by climate change. The collaboration between HEDA Resource Centre, NiMET, Oxfam, and the Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance reflects a commitment to building resilience and fostering sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s future.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has taken a significant step in addressing concerns over the alleged mismanagement of N183.9 billion in COVID-19 Intervention funds between 2020 and 2022 by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC). In an effort to ensure accountability and transparency, HEDA has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, conveyed the organization’s request in a letter addressed to the Executive Chairman of the anti-graft agency, Ola Olukoyede. The impetus for this action stemmed from a report by Leadership newspaper online, which highlighted Hon. Nyampa Dauda Zakari’s call for an investigation during a plenary session of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, the 17th day of October 2023. The petition underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the mismanagement allegations, if proven true and not investigated, would not only constitute a financial breach but also tarnish the country’s reputation on the international stage. Particularly concerning is the involvement of funds from international donors, impacting both victims of COVID-19 and vulnerable populations. HEDA expressed its deep concern over the potential damage to the country’s integrity and reputation. The organization believes that swift and thorough investigation by the EFCC is crucial not only for rectifying any wrongdoing but also for safeguarding the nation’s standing in the global community. “This is capable of making the country lose its integrity and reputation in the international space. Hence, the timely submission of this petition to enable the Commission to diligently investigate, prosecute, and remedy the country’s reputation before the international community,” stated HEDA. In presenting this petition, HEDA seeks not only accountability for the alleged financial mismanagement but also aims to uphold the integrity of Nigeria on the international stage. The organization trusts that the anti-graft agency’s intervention will serve to investigate, prosecute, and rectify any discrepancies, thereby restoring the country’s reputation and standing.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has charged the Federal Government on the immediate enforcement of the Bank Employees on the Declaration of Assets Act. This move is part of a concerted effort to combat corruption and promote transparency within Nigeria’s banking sector. In a letter signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, The anti-corruption group emphasized the significance of the Bank Employees on the Declaration of Assets Act, currently in effect. The Act was instituted during a period marked by rampant corruption within the banking industry, with corrupt public officials frequently exploiting bank employees and financial institutions to launder ill-gotten gains. Section 1 of the Act mandates that all bank employees in Nigeria disclose their assets within 14 days of the Act’s commencement or upon their employment as new staff. Furthermore, Section 2 confers authority upon the President or an appointed figure, such as the Secretary to the Federal Government or an individual designated in the Federal Gazette, to oversee the Act’s implementation. HEDA expressed deep concern over the Act’s apparent neglect since the inception of the 4th Republic in 1999. The organization has brought the Act’s provisions to the forefront, underscoring its pivotal role in combatting corruption and fostering public trust in the banking sector. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which commenced with a promise of economic prosperity for all Nigerians, is inherently tied to the elimination of avenues for misappropriating public funds. Consequently, HEDA firmly underscores the immediate and comprehensive implementation of the Bank Employees on the Declaration of Assets Act as an essential component of fulfilling this commitment. The letter reads in part, “We therefore bring the provisions of the Bank Employees, etc. (Declaration of Assets) Act to your attention and demand that you take urgent action either through your office or appointment of any institution by an instrument published in the Federal Gazette to fully implement the Act and mandate all Banks employees to declare their assets in compliance with the Act.” “We trust that you will treat this letter with utmost urgency and take decisive actions in fulfillment of this mandate as provided in the Bank Employees, etc. (Declaration of Assets) Act. We assure you that we will closely monitor this development.” This call to action by HEDA highlights the pressing need to address corruption within Nigeria’s banking sector and uphold principles of transparency and accountability, in alignment with international best practices and standards.

In a concerted effort to empower the media with ethical and professional training for the effective reporting of corruption cases and related offenses in Nigeria, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) is partnering with Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER) to host a one-day seminar-workshop. This workshop is designed for the benefit of 50 Nigerian journalists representing diverse media categories, with the aim of significantly reducing, if not entirely eradicating, the influence of politically exposed individuals hindering the media’s vital role as an anti-corruption watchdog, Themed “Training on Ethics and Professionalism in the Coverage of Corruption Cases for Nigerian Journalists, Online Media Editors, and Bloggers,” the corruption reporting workshop seeks to imbue media practitioners with a heightened awareness of the adverse consequences of corruption. Its core objective is to elevate the quality of media training and foster a more robust ideological foundation for corruption reporting. Olarenwaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, underscores the imperative nature of this training, particularly in the current climate where the media is viewed as the last bastion against politically exposed individuals engaged in corrupt practices. This training is envisioned to play a pivotal role in stabilizing the political and economic landscape by harnessing the potential of print, electronic, and social media to combat corruption effectively. Similarly, Adewale Adeoye, the Executive Director of JODER, emphasizes the need for a well-structured anti-corruption network within the media industry and underscores the absence of a robust mechanism for following up on critical corruption cases. It is against this backdrop that these two organizations have come together to organize this timely and essential media training on corruption reporting for Nigerian journalists.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), prominent Civil Society Organization, strongly condemns the recent decision by the National Assembly to purchase expensive luxury Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for its 469 members. In a statement issued by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group emphasizes that the acquisition of these vehicles not only violates the prescribed compensation structure for lawmakers outlined by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) but also signifies a misallocation of limited national resources that could be more judiciously directed towards human development and the nation’s progress. Suraju further underlines that Section 84 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution confers upon RMAFC the responsibility to establish the salaries and allowances of public officeholders, including members of the National Assembly. The Constitution explicitly states, “There shall be paid to the holders of the offices mentioned in this section such remuneration, salaries, and allowances as may be prescribed by the National Assembly, but not exceeding the amount as shall have been determined by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.” To fulfill this mandate, the RMAFC discloses the details of the remuneration package for political, public, and judicial officeholders. Notably, the last list published in 2007 indicated that members of the National Assembly were entitled to an optional car loan that should not surpass 400 percent of their annual basic salaries, as opposed to the procurement of operational vehicles. “For instance, a senator’s annual basic salary is N2.02 million, which entitles them to a car loan not exceeding N8.1 million (400 percent of their basic salary). Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives, with an annual basic salary of N1.9 million, can secure a car loan not exceeding N7.9 million.” “Unfortunately, the 10th National Assembly has departed from these guidelines by opting to acquire luxury vehicles for “legislative oversight.” This decision has been widely criticized by many Nigerians who perceive it as out of touch with the country’s challenging economic circumstances. In defiance of constitutional provisions, the National Assembly has consistently set allowances above the limits prescribed by the RMFAC. For instance, in July, the Senate disbursed N2 million to each member as recess allowance, exceeding the 10 percent of annual basic salary recommended by law. “This pattern of extravagant expenditure extends beyond vehicle acquisitions. In 2015, the Senate spent N4.7 billion on cars for its members, diverting funds that could have been allocated to critical sectors like healthcare and infrastructure development.” He added. “The decision to purchase foreign brands has also drawn criticism from Nigerians, who contend that supporting local automobile manufacturers could invigorate the domestic economy. Local brands have produced high-end vehicles, including SUVs, and have extended offers to the lawmakers. Regrettably, these proposals were overlooked.” “We call upon the National Assembly to reconsider this decision and allocate resources in a manner that best serves the interests of the Nigerian people, particularly during a period when prudent financial management and economic growth are of paramount importance.” HEDA emphasizes that lawmakers’ proclivity for luxury vehicles runs counter to Nigeria’s economic realities and the pressing need for reduced governance costs.

Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on Nigerians to shun activities capable of destroying the environment. The advice was given during an enlightenment programme in Orile-Agege and Agboyi Ketu communities in Lagos State, organised by African Activists for Climate Change Justice (AACJ), in partnership with OXFAM. Speaking with newsmen, HEDA’s programme consultant, Sina Odungbemi, urged citizens to realise that there is a sharp change in environmental chemistry as a result of climate change. “Those, who are versed in science, will tell us that there are chemical reactions that are as a result of activities of man generally, and these activities are capable of creating threats to the climate. For example, in some areas, there is a glacier dam play of water. Water is flooding some parts of the world. In some parts of the world, there is shortage of water. All these things are as a result of activities of human beings,” he said. Odungbemi counselled that citizens should be conscious of the way they treat their environment, stating: “If you pollute your environment, you are going to live in a polluted environment, if you downgrade your environment, you are going to live in a downgraded environment.” Funmi Jola Ajayi of the Community Women Initiative advised communities to keep their surroundings clean and avoid disposing their waste in drainages. She urged citizens to always abide by extant environmental laws. Besides, an actor, Kayode Olasehinde (popularly known as Pa James), pleaded with communities to make their environment neat to contain disasters. The Alayige of Orile-Agege Kingdom, Oba Alayeluwa Ambaliu Hakeem Agbedeyi II, applauded the organisation for the sensitization, imploring the settlement to promote cleanliness.

 The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) and its partners recently convened the Future of Energy Conference (FEC) on October 24th and 25th, 2023, in Accra, Ghana. With the theme, “Resource Abundance, Sustainable Choices and Innovation: Shaping Africa’s Energy Landscape,” the conference served as a vital gathering for key stakeholders from governments, multilateral institutions, the business community, academia, development agencies, and Civil Society Organizations. Together, they engaged in constructive dialogues on Africa’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. During the opening remarks, Mr. Charles Nyirahuku, Chief Gas Officer at the African Development Bank (AfDB) and representative of the African Natural Resource and Investment Centre, underscored Africa’s significant reserves of critical minerals and its pivotal role in the cleaner energy transition. He reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to supporting this transition with a focus on inclusivity. Mr. Nyirahuku highlighted initiatives like the Africa Green Minerals Strategy and notable investments in renewable energy in countries such as Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa as essential steps toward achieving sustainable energy solutions. The guest speaker, Mr. William Owuraku Aidoo, Deputy Energy Minister, acknowledged Africa’s vulnerability to climate change and emphasized its crucial role in the global energy transition. He urged the continent to harness its abundant resources for the development of renewable energy. Mr. Aidoo pointed to Ghana’s National Energy Transition Framework (NETF), introduced in 2022, which is geared towards decarbonization and possibly incorporating nuclear power into the country’s energy mix. His speech emphasized the continuing significance of natural gas and explored the integration of nuclear energy as part of the transition strategy. The conference featured five thought-provoking panel sessions, each comprising a keynote presentation on the central theme, with a moderator and a panel of experts. The Future of Energy Conference provided invaluable insights and actionable strategies for Africa’s energy transition. It emphasized the pressing need for urgency, agency, and active global participation in the shift towards cleaner energy sources. The information shared by the speakers underscored the urgency of addressing issues like methane emissions and enhancing transparency and diversification within the energy sector. This underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among governments, regulators, and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions for reducing carbon emissions. By embracing innovative ideas and adhering to clear guidelines, we can collectively pave the way for a greener and more sustainable energy future that benefits our planet and its inhabitants.

After a rigorous selection process, the winners of the 2023 Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards have been determined through public voting. The 20 nominees, carefully shortlisted across the four award categories, have demonstrated remarkable impact and integrity. These categories include Outstanding Impact, Outstanding Integrity, Valuable Whistle-Blower, and Nigeria-In-Diaspora. In June, the organization initiated the sixth edition of the annual awards, soliciting public nominations that resulted in an impressive 312 entries. Following a thorough screening process conducted by HEDA, the final 20 nominees were presented for public voting. The primary aim of the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards, as emphasized by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, is to catalyze a transformation in public perceptions of corruption-related issues and to celebrate individuals who consistently exhibit outstanding impact and integrity, even in the face of challenging circumstances. The public voting period spanned six weeks, commencing on September 25, 2023, and concluding on October 20, 2023. The winners and runners-up in each category will be officially unveiled and presented to the public during the grand 6th edition of the awards ceremony, scheduled for December 10, 2023, in Lagos.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a preeminent civil society organization dedicated to the fight against corruption in Nigeria, has celebrated a significant victory for the nation at London’s High Court, as it successfully overturned an astonishing $11 billion damages bill associated with a corrupt collapsed gas project. In a statement released by HEDA, the organisation’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, described the victory as a triumphant moment for Nigeria and its citizens, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, saying the accomplishment signals a crucial milestone in the ongoing struggle against economic malpractice and the exploitation of African nations by international briefcase companies and citizens. “We at HEDA Resource Centre want to fervently applaud the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and safeguarding the interests of its people. The outcome in London legal action serves as a testament to the tireless efforts invested in protecting Nigeria’s financial stability and international reputation by the EFCC, particularly under the Chairmanship of its former Chairman, Ibrahim Magu.” “This legal victory underscores the resilience of some committed Nigerians and institutions in the face of adversity and sets a precedent for holding accountable those who seek to take advantage of African resources, system and corrupt public officials.” Suraju added. The roots of this legal dispute trace back to a demand that Africa’s most populous country pay an exorbitant $11 billion sum, equivalent to approximately one-third of its foreign exchange reserves, to Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID), a shelf company domiciled in the British Virgin Islands. Nigeria promptly contested this demand, asserting that P&ID had engaged in corrupt practices by bribing senior officials to secure the contract and had further compromised the country’s legal representation to access confidential documents during the arbitration process. In response, P&ID vehemently denied these allegations and instead accused Nigeria of systemic incompetence. In a groundbreaking judgment, Judge Robin Knowles of the London’s High Court uncovered evidence of bribery involving a Nigerian oil ministry official in connection with the gas contract signed in 2010. P&ID had failed to disclose this corrupt practice during the arbitration proceedings. Judge Knowles expressed his stern disapproval of the actions of certain individuals driven by greed, who were willing to employ corruption without concern for the harm it would cause to others. Suraju also maintained that the EFCC should sustain its prosecution of all those Nigerians, public officials, and private professionals, in cahoots with P&ID in the criminal conspiracy against the interest of the country for not only financial crimes but also economic sabotage. For leading the torturous and successful fight, in the face of local and international pressure, the former Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu should be awarded a national honour by President Bola Tinubu.