A former Prime Minister of Senegal and anti-corruption activist, Mrs Aminata Toure, has urged the Nigerian government to lead the push for global anti-corruption courts through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to try money laundering and illicit financial flows (IFFs). She made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the 33rd Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) multi-stakeholder conference, organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Foundation Integrity Initiative International (III) and MacArthur Foundation, themed, ‘International Mechanisms and the Fight Against Corruption’. Toure, who served as Senegal’s prime minister from September 2013 to July 2014, said if Nigeria and other African countries want to fight corruption, they should enlist the cooperation of UN member countries. She said, “Member countries need to mobilise the needed resources for the anti-corruption court at the ECOWAS level while each country maintains its existing anti-corruption mechanism at the local level.” Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, Olanrewaju Suraju, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to get the buy-in of countries at the regional, continental, and global levels for effective delivery of the International Anti-Corruption Court (IACC).

The pressing need for the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court has emerged as a promising solution to combat corruption within Nigeria’s public sector and address illicit financial flows on a global scale. This call to action was passionately conveyed by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) during a recent anti-corruption radio program in Abuja. HEDA’s Legal Officer, David Ogungbesan, emphasized the significance of establishing an international anti-corruption court. He underscored that such a court is crucial in enhancing the prosecution of corrupt individuals and urged Nigerians to rally behind this advocacy. Ogungbesan stressed that the existence of an international court dedicated to combating corruption would serve as a deterrent for public officials engaged in corrupt practices, thereby assisting local law enforcement agencies and improving the overall administration of justice in the country. Furthermore, he pointed out that it offers an opportunity for Nigeria and other nations to collaborate internationally in their efforts to curb corruption. “The consequences of corruption on Nigerian society are evident to all. We believe that prosecution is a vital measure to prevent corruption. The establishment of an international anti-corruption court will complement the efforts of local law enforcement agencies and address the injustices in the system. It provides a platform for Nigeria and other countries to collectively combat illicit financial flows without conflicting with their domestic legal systems,” he emphasized. Ogungbesan disclosed that not only the former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari but also more than 100 world leaders have expressed their support for the creation of an international court dedicated to prosecuting corruption. He acknowledged that there might be challenges in establishing such a court but encouraged citizens to hold their leaders accountable and embrace the initiative for its numerous benefits. “The public needs to take this advocacy seriously, engaging their representatives and endorsing this idea,” Ogungbesan urged. Adding her perspective, Dabotonye Dappa, a Programme Officer at the West African Bar Association, also urged Nigerians to support the initiative for a specialized court focused on prosecuting corruption. She highlighted the issues of judicial independence and the lack of political will among leaders as significant challenges in the fight against corruption. “In addressing the lack of political will, the judiciary plays a pivotal role. Therefore, we advocate for a truly independent judiciary, free from external influence. When it comes to combating corruption, our recourse is often through the courts. If we have judges who are influenced by the very corrupt individuals we are fighting against, we find ourselves back at square one,” Dappa emphasized. The “PUBLIC CONSCIENCE” radio program is a syndicated weekly initiative employed by PRIMORG to draw the attention of both the government and citizens to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria. The program is made possible with the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

In a resolute effort to combat corruption and promote transparency in Nigeria, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) embarked on a crucial advocacy visit to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The visit, led by Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, aimed to establish a collaborative effort between the anti-corruption group and UNODC to bolster the fight against corruption. The HEDA delegation presented meticulously crafted policy briefs, stemming from the Two-Day Anti-Corruption Conference held in July, along with other extensive research conducted by the organization. The proposed partnership between HEDA and UNODC aims to engage a diverse range of stakeholders in the fight against corruption and actively consider the recommendations contained within the policy briefs. During the visit, Suraju, emphasized the depth of research and the careful crafting of the policy briefs. These comprehensive documents were organized into five distinct sections, each addressing critical sectors: Anti-Corruption and Law Enforcement Agencies, the Media and Civil Society Organizations, the Presidency and Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Judiciary, and the Parliament; stressed the need to address emerging issues, foster public discourse, and stimulate debates based on the content of these briefs. He further underlined the importance of enhanced coordination and oversight of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies in the execution of their duties, a facet that has often been lacking and entangled in political considerations. Discussions during the visit covered a wide array of significant topics. These included the discussion of the Proceeds Of Crime (Recovery And Management) Act, 2022, challenges faced by anti-corruption agencies and the Judiciary, and the role of the Ministry of Justice in supervising asset recovery processes. The anti-corruption advocate also expressed concerns regarding the involvement of the previous administration in asset recovery management for personal interests, which had compromised transparency and accountability in the fight against financial crimes. The Country Director of UNODC, Dr. Oliver Stolpe, acknowledged HEDA’s unwavering dedication to combating corruption. He highlighted concerns about the current state of the system and emphasized the potential for transformation under the leadership of a committed Chief Justice capable of driving judicial reforms. Dr. Stolpe also commended the Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission for its recruitment processes and its willingness to collaborate with UNODC on codifications. In the context of the National Assembly, he addressed past challenges in establishing a working relationship and the difficulties faced, even with supportive individuals identified within the parliament. HEDA ‘s advocacy visit to UNODC represents a pivotal step in the ongoing battle against corruption in Nigeria. The presentation of meticulously researched policy briefs and the productive discussions with UNODC representatives underscore a shared commitment to combating corruption and promoting accountability in the nation. The collaboration between HEDA and UNODC offers hope for a future marked by transparency and responsible governance.  UNODC has pledged to review the policy briefs and further engage with HEDA on strategies for promoting these recommendations. UNODC is also set to extend an invitation to HEDA, as a member of the steering committee, to participate in the implementation of its engagement with the National Bureau of Statistics, a vital step towards organizing an anti-corruption summit. The visit was attended by key figures from UNODC, including Country Director Oliver Stolpe, Coordinator of the Anti-Corruption Unit, Princess Chifero, and Head of the Integrity and Health Department, Muchaneta Mundopa. HEDA’s delegation include; Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, Legal Officer Cecilia Ogwuche, and Tonye Dapa, Program Officer of the West African Bar Association.

In the ongoing fight against corruption, the Human and Environmental Developmental Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) recently made a significant advocacy visit to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja. Under the leadership of Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, the delegation delivered a meticulously crafted set of policy briefs to the EFCC. These briefs were the outcome of the Two-Day Anti-Corruption Conference held in July. The primary aim of this collaborative effort, as outlined by Suraju, was to actively engage the anti-corruption agency in the anti-graft initiatives and encourage the engagement of a diverse range of stakeholders while taking into account the recommendations put forward in the policy briefs. These anti-corruption briefs were carefully organized into five sections, with a focus on pivotal sectors, including Anti-Corruption and Law Enforcement Agencies, the Media and Civil Society Organizations, the Presidency and Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Judiciary, and the Parliament. Their intent was to address emerging issues, stimulate public discourse, and foster constructive dialogues. Suraju also underscored the importance of robust cooperation among all law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, encompassing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), in the execution of their mandated responsibilities. In response to this cooperative endeavor, the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Abdulkarim Chukkol, acknowledged HEDA Resource Centre’s steadfast commitment to the anti-corruption cause. He expressed his concerns regarding the current state of the system and its readiness for transformation through strengthened collaboration with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders. Furthermore, he firmly pledged to thoroughly consider the recommendations from the policy briefs and actively work towards their implementation. Present at the meeting were Mr. Abdulkarim Chukkol, the Acting Chairman of EFCC, along with the HEDA Resource Centre team, including Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju, Legal Officer Cecilia Ogwuche, Program Officer from the West African Bar Association, Tonye Dapa, and Abdulazeez Salawu.  

In a strategic and forward-thinking move, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), under the leadership of Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju, initiated a significant engagement with the Ministry of Environment. The primary objective of the visit was to address critical issues pertaining to Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), as detailed in the Report on Nigerian Energy Transition Plan, Feasibility, Implementation, and Challenges. This comprehensive report was the fruit of a collaborative effort involving HEDA Resource Centre, the law firm of Olaniwun Ajayi, and the Vance Center for International Justice. Suraju provided a thorough and insightful overview of the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan during the meeting. He highlighted HEDA’s extensive review of the ETP, a collaboration with legal experts, and underscored pressing concerns such as the use of fossil fuels, methane emissions, and the efficient utilization of mineral deposits. One of the key findings of the report was the prevalent practice of awarding licenses without rigorous reviews or adequate stakeholder engagement, involving entities such as NOSDRA, NEITI, and NUPRC. Suraju emphasized the significance of implementing the recommendations outlined in the recently developed Policy Briefs. In his response, the Minsiter, Dr. Ishaq Salako expressed the minister’s prior involvement in addressing methane emissions and a strong willingness to deepen collaboration with HEDA and other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Dr. Salako committed to facilitating connections between HEDA and the Methane emissions control officers in Abuja, as well as the Climate Change officials. Furthermore, the minister expressed his intention to partner with HEDA for the active implementation of Nigeria’s international commitments of fossil fuel proliferation, climate change mitigation, and participation at the COP28 held in Dubai. The discussions further emphasized the pressing need to enhance the capacity of CSOs and the media for advocacy in environmental sustainability and protection of the environment. As a symbol of their commitment and dedication to addressing Nigeria’s transition towards sustainable energy, the HEDA team presented copies of the ETP review to the Minister. This partnership holds great promise in addressing critical issues and fostering positive change in Nigeria.

In a significant move within its continued drive for holistic and sustainable fight against corruption, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) extended its advocacy visits to the House of Representatives leadership. The delegation, led by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, presented policy briefs derived from the Two-Day Anti-Corruption Conference held in July, supported by the organization’s extensive research efforts to representatives of the House, led by Honourable (Prof) Julius Ihonvbere, the House Leader During their visit to the House of Representatives, the HEDA delegation engaged with lawmakers, including Professor Julius Ihonvbere, the House Leader of the National Assembly, Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Affairs and Spokesman of the House of Representatives, and Honourable Prince Kayode Akiolu, Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption. Suraju emphasized the significance of the legislative agenda, particularly in addressing contemporary corruption challenges. He advocated for a more strategic involvement of the legislative branch in anti-corruption discourse, underlining the need for the legislature to exercise oversight and maintain checks and balances over executive and judicial actions. The anti-corruption advocate also called upon the House to collaborate with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders on issues pertaining to anti-corruption, accountability, climate change, and sustainable development. Professor Julius, the House Leader, expressed the House’s appreciation to HEDA for its longstanding dedication to improved accountability and Nation-building. He further conveyed the current Assembly’s readiness to partner with Civil Society Organizations (CSO) to advance and implement its legislative agenda. He also revealed plans to establish a CSO office within the Assembly to enhance the engagement and promote people-oriented legislature; law making, oversight and budgeting. Prof. Ihonvbere, on behalf of the team, committed to expediting the passage of accountability oriented bills passed by the 9th Assembly but was not accented to by the last administration, such as the Witness Protection, Assets Declaration Amendment, and Whistle-blower Bills. Suraju appreciated Hon. Amin Rotimi for facilitating the visit and assured the Parliamentarians of HEDA and other CSOs support in the promotion of good governance and probity in public offices.

The Executive Secretary of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre), Sulaimon Arigbabu, has stressed the profound and far-reaching impact of poverty on individuals and communities, therefore underscored the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to eradicate poverty, emphasizing the creation of jobs and the establishment of robust social protection systems. During a recent radio interview with Women FM in Lagos, Arigbabu highlighted the devastating consequences of poverty, which can lead to hunger, malnutrition, disease, and social exclusion. He urged immediate action to address these pressing issues. “Poverty is not merely an economic concern; it permeates every aspect of people’s lives. Recognizing the critical importance of providing jobs and social protection is the first step toward effective poverty eradication.” He said. During the interview, Arigbabu outlined two key components of the strategy to combat poverty. He emphasized the significance of job creation, explaining that it provides individuals with the necessary income to meet their basic needs and enhance their overall quality of life. Arigbabu called for initiatives that invest in education and promote small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to equip individuals with the skills required for meaningful employment while stimulating entrepreneurship and job opportunities. Arigbabu also underscored the crucial role of social protection as a safety net for individuals facing challenging times. Social protection safeguards individuals from falling into extreme poverty when they lose their jobs or experience crises. He highlighted the value of well-organized social insurance programs and social assistance programs in providing vital support to vulnerable populations. The human rights activists provided a comprehensive roadmap for poverty eradication through these approaches. He emphasized the need to invest in education to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary for gainful employment. Additionally, Arigbabu called for a focus on SMEs, infrastructure development, and the reduction of trade barriers to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities. The interview concluded with a call to action, urging governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector to collaborate in implementing these strategies effectively. By working together to create an enabling environment for job creation and social protection, significant progress can be made in reducing poverty and improving the well-being of those in need. As the world continues its fight against poverty, Arigbabu’s words and the endeavors of organizations like HEDA stand as a beacon of hope, offering concrete solutions and a pathway to a brighter future for vulnerable communities.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has voiced deep concerns over the recent and unjustified reinstatement of staff from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) who were previously dismissed following the tragic incident of a collapsed 6-storey building within Lekki Gardens Estate at Ikate Elegushi, Lekki in March 2016. The accountability group therefore urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to promptly investigate this reinstatement for necessary action. In a letter signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, titled “Unjustified Reinstatement of Dismissed LASBCA Staff Over Building Collapse: Urgent Need to Revisit the Case,” the human rights group expressed astonishment at the dismissed LASBCA officials’ reabsorption into the service through a judicial process that remains inconclusive. It emphasized that justice should not be compromised, and the continuity of sound government policies must be maintained, as government is a continuum. Recalling the tragic incident of a collapsed 6-storey building within Lekki Gardens Estate at Ikate Elegushi, Lekki, on March 8, 2016, resulting in the loss of 35 lives and injuries to 16 individuals, HEDA highlighted the decisive action taken by the then-Governor Ambode. The Governor subsequently announced the dismissal of the General Manager of LASBCA, Engr. Adeigbe Olushola, the Head of Inspection and Quality Control in the Agency, Bldr. Adeoye Thomas Adeyemi, the Zonal District Officer in the Agency, Bldr. Dosunmu Gbadebo, and mandatorily retired the Zonal Head of Eti-Osa West of the Agency, Tpl. Mrs. Akinde Adenike Sherifat. This action was taken following their indictment of negligence, classified as misconduct under the Public Service Rule 040401. HEDA expressed its shock and dismay that these dismissed LASBCA officials have been reinstated into the service and returned to their offices in the face of this indictment, even though the judicial process remains unresolved. While the organization acknowledges the judiciary as a distinct arm of the government with decisions that cannot be overturned by the executive, it insists that the government must ensure public confidence is maintained by ensuring those indicted are made to pay for their offences and not allowed to sustain their negligence and compromise against public interest. Citing an alarming record of over 111 building collapses in Lagos State since the Lekki Gardens incident, resulting in 193 fatalities and 250 injuries, including children, HEDA emphasized the gravity of the issue. The organization urged the Lagos State Government to act without sentiment and to preserve the rule of law while cleansing the system. In conclusion, HEDA appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to urgently investigate the reinstatement of the dismissed LASBCA officials, assuming their reinstatement was mandated by a court order. The organization also suggested that, in the interest of equity and justice, the Lagos State Government redeploy these officials to other Ministries, Departments, or Agencies unrelated to building control in the state.

Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force against Max Air, citing grave concerns over the endangerment of lives due to reported safety violations. This move comes in the wake of Max Air’s purported presentation of altered records to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and its alleged engagement of unauthorized engineers in aircraft servicing. Recalled that the disturbing revelations stem from a report published by The Whistle, an online news platform, dated August 12, 2023. This report outlined the suspension faced by Max Air in the hands of NCAA. The suspension was a direct consequence of a harrowing incident that occurred on May 7, 2023, involving a Max Air aircraft crash-landing at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. This incident imperiled the lives of more than 143 passengers on board. In the petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, HEDA detailed the findings of the NCAA audit, which was conducted between July 17, 2023, and July 20, 2023. The audit exposed a litany of safety deficiencies within Max Air’s operations, ultimately resulting in a second suspension. HEDA therefore unequivocally calls for a thorough and exhaustive investigation into these allegations, as well as appropriate legal actions against the management of Max Air Ltd. The comprehensive 11-page audit report and accompanying correspondences revealed a staggering 27 critical safety issues observed within the airline’s fleet under scrutiny. These issues encompassed a wide range of concerns, including but not limited to: Alleged submission of altered records to the NCAA, coupled with the failure to replace life-limited components in accordance with regulations, and absence of substantial evidence to defend the airworthiness of recently installed landing gears on one of Max Air’s aircraft. Other breaches are: documentation of incorrect maintenance practices, notably following a birdstrike incident; the engagement of unauthorized engineers in performing maintenance tasks; neglect of mandatory duplicate inspections following pivotal tasks; ineffective management of Airworthiness Directives for the entire fleet; shortcomings in the qualifications of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) personnel; and non-compliance with established procedures for ensuring the efficacy of the Aircraft Maintenance Program. Suraju emphasized the gravity of these findings, saying, “These serious findings highlight a pattern of disregard for safety regulations and standards by Max Air, putting the lives of air travelers at risk. HEDA strongly urges the Nigeria Police to conduct an exhaustive investigation into the contents of the NCAA audit report and to take decisive legal action against the management of Max Air Ltd.” The civil society organization underscores the importance of sending a resounding message that Nigeria upholds the rule of law, where every individual and entity, regardless of their societal status, is held accountable for their actions. HEDA anticipates a swift and equitable response to this urgent petition.

Residents of Adamawa State living in communities near the River Benue, which are susceptible to flooding, are calling for the dredging of the river to mitigate flood risks. They are also urging the completion of the long-abandoned Dasin Hausa Dam project, which was initiated in 1982. This call aims to prevent flooding that often results from the release of water from the Lagdo Dam in the Republic of Cameroon. Communities situated around the River Benue and its tributaries in Fufore, Yola South, Girei, and Numan local government areas expressed their concerns during a sensitization and training session on climate change conducted by the African Activists for Climate Change Justice (AACJ) and the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), commonly known as HEDA Resource Centre. Sulaimon Arigbabu, the Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, clarified to each visited community that the purpose of their visit was to raise awareness about flood preparedness and resilience and to collect their views and needs for transmission to the relevant authorities. During the outreach program, titled ‘Amplifying the Voices of Climate Frontier Communities,’ the host communities, predominantly consisting of farmers, emphasized the importance of constructing the Dasin Hausa Dam and dredging the River Niger to mitigate flooding. Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad, the Ward Head of Wuro-chekke in Rugange Community, Yola South Local Government Area (LGA), emphasized that the failure to complete the dam project had left Nigeria in a state of panic whenever Cameroonian authorities announced plans to release water from their Lagdo Dam, resulting in devastating floods in the area. Kabiru Abba, a resident of the area, shared his plight, revealing that he had lost his farm and was living in poverty after the last flood wreaked havoc on his farmland. In Dasin Hausa, where the abandoned dam project is located, the community leader, Shitu Ahmodu, stressed the significance of completing the project and dredging the surrounding rivers to effectively address recurrent flooding issues. Chief Imyaleyo Bulus, the Assistant Village Head of Imburu Community in Numan LGA, suggested that the Federal Government should prioritize the removal of sand from the River Benue. He explained that the river’s shallow depth, due to the accumulation of sand, causes water to overflow into neighboring communities, causing harm to people and their property whenever there is even a modest increase in water levels, whether from rainfall or other sources.