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HEDA Demands Transparency and Accountability in FG’s N330bn Cash Transfer Scheme

HEDA Requests Finance Minister Publish List of Beneficiaries and Provide Breakdown of Disbursement. The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Federal Government to provide full transparency and accountability over its recent claim of disbursing N330 billion to poor Nigerians through the National Social Safety-net Coordinating Office. The call comes in reaction to the disclosure by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who announced that the federal government had commenced cash transfers funded from an $800 million World Bank facility to help Nigerians cope with economic hardship. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, while acknowledging the need for social protection in the wake of biting inflation and the removal of fuel subsidy, the civil society organisation noted that the government’s pronouncement lacks the clarity and openness expected in the management of public resources. According to Suraju, the Federal Government’s claim of paying out N330 billion to poor Nigerians raises more questions than answers. He stressed that, “Nigerians deserve to know the true identities of the beneficiaries, the selection process adopted by the government, and a transparent breakdown of the amounts paid. Public funds, whether sourced locally or from international partners loans like the World Bank, must be utilized with ultimate openness.” HEDA stressed that without a published list of beneficiaries and verifiable records, such large-scale cash disbursements risk becoming another avenue for corruption, political patronage, and manipulation. The country is yet to recover from the rude of misappropriation of similar loan and feeding scheme by former ministers Sadiya Umar under the government of late President Buhari and Betta Edu under the current government. “We are demanding that the Honourable Minister of Finance provides a detailed account of the beneficiaries, their locations, and the verifiable disbursement data. Nigerians must be convinced that this scheme truly reaches the poor and vulnerable, not ghost names or politically selected individuals. Accountability and transparency are non-negotiable.” Mr. Suraju added The group further urged that subsequent budgetary provisions for social protection programmes should be subjected to open scrutiny by civil society organisations, media, and the public, in line with global best practices. HEDA reiterated its commitment to tracking and monitoring government spending on social protection to ensure that such interventions genuinely address the plight of the poorest Nigerians rather than serve as a political tool or ghost scheme for corruption and abuse of public trust.

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HEDA Deepens Engagement on Asset Recovery at UNODC Capacity-Building Workshop

As part of strategic efforts in fighting illicit asset flow in Nigeria, HEDA Resource Centre joined other civil society organizations, government agencies, and international partners at the United Nations House, Abuja, for a one-day capacity-building workshop on the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2022. The workshop, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, was aimed at strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs). Its objective was clear: to equip CSOs with knowledge of POCA’s provisions and enhance their role in monitoring, advocacy, and ensuring transparency in the recovery and management of proceeds of crime in Nigeria. Representing HEDA at the workshop, the organization’s Legal and Program Officer, Dabotonye Dappa, emphasized why civil society engagement is indispensable in asset recovery. Dappa underscored the need for CSOs to not only monitor processes at the federal level but also extend oversight to states and communities to ensure that recovered assets deliver tangible benefits to citizens. Experts and government officials provided practical insights into how POCA 2022 empowers agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to seize, confiscate, and forfeit illicit assets. A major highlight was the establishment of a central database, managed by the Department of Proceeds of Crime Management, to track all seized assets and make data accessible to the public. Detailed discussions also addressed how assets are valued, auctioned, and disposed of under strict procedures—with CSOs and the media invited to observe for accountability. The workshop also reviewed Nigeria’s progress toward exiting the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list, with reforms such as the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and the central asset database cited as key milestones. Nigeria’s successful FATF on-site visit in August 2025 was described as a significant step, with a final decision on the country’s exit expected in October 2025. HEDA’s longstanding advocacy for accountability, transparency, and citizen-focused use of recovered assets aligns directly with the discussions and recommendations from the workshop. The event concluded with a call for stronger collaboration between government and CSOs, regular training to keep stakeholders updated, and public access to the asset recovery database to foster greater trust. By participating in this workshop, HEDA further deepened its technical knowledge and strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders. This engagement underscores HEDA’s commitment to ensuring that in the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows, recovered assets are not just reclaimed but repurposed for the social good of Nigerians

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HEDA Participates in NiMet Stakeholders’ Forum on Climate Risks

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) joined stakeholders at the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) Stakeholders’ Forum held on the 10th and 11th of September 2025 at the Admiralty Conference and Event Centre, Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos. The two-day forum, themed “Early Warnings: Raising Awareness on Climate Risks and Promoting Early Action,” brought together government agencies, civil society groups, private sector actors, and development partners to discuss strategies for building a climate-resilient Nigeria through improved weather and climate information services. HEDA, a long-standing partner of NiMet, was officially invited to the event and represented by Mr. Shobo Mayowa, Project Manager for EJSD, and Mr. Sakariyah Shakiru, Agriculture and Food Security Program Officer. In his keynote address, NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, emphasized that climate observations and data dissemination must go beyond reporting to trigger meaningful action. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in co-creating solutions and ensuring that early warnings are translated into life-saving responses, particularly in vulnerable communities. Prof. Anosike also appealed for consistent investment in sustaining accurate and timely weather forecasts, reaffirming NiMet’s commitment to supporting food security, disaster risk reduction, and climate-smart development despite financial constraints. The forum ended with strengthened commitments from stakeholders to work more closely with NiMet in the dissemination of early warnings. Participants also endorsed deeper partnerships across government, civil society, the private sector, and local communities to build a climate-resilient economy, while supporting NiMet’s cost-recovery initiative for sustainable service delivery. For its part, HEDA Resource Centre reaffirmed its dedication to integrating climate information into its community-based projects and farmer education programs, ensuring that local communities are better informed and prepared to respond to climate risks. Through its participation, HEDA continues to demonstrate leadership in climate advocacy and action, reinforcing its mission to safeguard communities, protect livelihoods, and promote accountability in Nigeria’s climate response.

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Whose Side Are You On, Mr. President? Nigeria Must Respond to UN’s Damning Criticism of Oil Company Divestments

Civil Society Demands Immediate Government Action on Niger Delta Pollution Crisis The people of the Niger Delta have endured decades of environmental devastation. Oil pollution has poisoned their water, destroyed their farmland, and stripped away their health, livelihoods, and dignity. Now, multinational oil giants—Shell, Eni, TotalEnergies, and ExxonMobil—are abandoning their onshore operations, walking away from the toxic legacy they created without accountability or remediation. And the Nigerian Government? Silent. In a strongly worded communication, United Nations human rights experts have expressed “grave concern” over the companies’ divestment strategies, warning that Nigeria is being used as “an experiment for divestment without clean-up.” The letter, also addressed to the governments of the UK, Netherlands, Italy, France, Nigeria, and the United States, underscores the systemic human rights violations caused by repeated oil spills and the failure of both corporate and state actors to respond effectively. “The repeated oil spills in the Niger Delta over a span of decades severely affected the right to life, the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, the right to safe drinking water, the right to health, food, housing, cultural rights, and access to remedy,” the UN experts wrote. “The lack of effective response by the Nigerian Government and the home States of the international companies exacerbated these impacts.” Shell and Eni have issued responses. So have the UK, Italy, and the Netherlands. Nigeria has not. Not a single word of reassurance. Not a single commitment to justice. Not a single step toward accountability. This silence is not just disappointing—it is dangerous. It signals either a profound disregard for the rights of Nigerian citizens or complicity in their continued suffering. The responses from the companies and their host governments offer little more than recycled promises—paper commitments that have repeatedly failed to materialize on the ground. Nigerians deserve more than platitudes. They deserve justice. Remediation cannot wait. The Niger Delta must be cleaned up to international standards, with independent monitoring and the full participation of affected communities. Anything less would be a betrayal of the people. We therefore call on the Nigerian Government to: Nigeria has a proud record of signing human rights treaties. But paper commitments must be honoured in practice. The ball is now in the Government’s court. The Government must now demonstrate that it stands with its people—not with polluters. Failure to act will bring dishonour to Nigeria and deepen the suffering of its people. We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to break the silence. To lead with courage. To act with urgency. The world is watching. The people are waiting. The time to act is now. Signed:

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CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA to Train Media and Communicators on Transforming Climate Narratives into Action

In a bid to close the gap between the lived realities of climate change and the urgent need for more innovative, impactful storytelling that can influence policies and drive climate-smart local action in frontline communities, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has announced a four-day media training program. The initiative is designed to equip journalists, creatives, and digital storytellers with the skills to move climate change narratives beyond abstract headlines and transform them into compelling stories that inspire action and accountability. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, the free capacity-strengthening program, structured as a certificate course, will run from September 16 to 19, 2025. The training will feature leading experts working at the intersection of climate justice, media, gender equality, creative arts, and digital technology. According to Arigbabu, the program underscores the critical role of the media and creative sectors in shaping public understanding of climate issues. He noted that while floods, droughts, and extreme weather events increasingly disrupt communities, environmental stories in the media are often underreported or lack the depth required to galvanize meaningful action. “This initiative therefore seeks to provide participants with the tools to tell compelling, inclusive, and relatable stories that not only inform but also mobilize communities and influence decision-makers,” he said. The training will explore how emerging opportunities in data, technology, and digital platforms can be harnessed to cut through misinformation, amplify marginalized voices, and push for accountability in climate governance. Sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including the science and impacts of climate change, the role of technology in shaping climate decisions, media framing of environmental issues in Nigeria and Africa, and the human rights dimensions of climate justice. Additional modules will examine the impact of climate shocks on Nigerian communities, the African context of climate justice, storytelling for advocacy, and the use of digital media tools for effective campaigns. The workshop is open to journalists, artists, filmmakers, writers, social media influencers, and other creatives across Nigeria and Africa. Successful participants will receive certificates upon completion. Interested applicants are encouraged to register via the official link: https://bit.ly/climatecreatives. HEDA Resource Centre further disclosed that the virtual masterclass will serve as a prelude to its full immersive residential bootcamp on climate storytelling, scheduled for later in September.

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Appeal Court in another FoI case Upholds HEDA’s Victory, Orders CBN to Release Pilgrims’ Subsidized Forex Details

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja in another landmark judgment has dismissed an appeal filed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) against a Federal High Court judgment compelling it to release information requested by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) on subsidized exchange rates granted to pilgrims between 2016 and 2020. In a unanimous decision delivered by Justices Usman Alhaji Musale, Boloukuromo M. Ugo, and Mohammed A. Danjuma, the appellate court upheld the ruling of Justice Mobolaji O. Olajuwon of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which on May 3, 2023, directed the apex bank to provide the requested details. The court further awarded N500,000 in costs against the CBN in favour of HEDA. The case began in 2020 when HEDA, acting under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, requested that the CBN disclose a comprehensive breakdown of the subsidized forex schemes it administered. The request covered the amounts disbursed under each scheme, sector-by-sector allocations, and the list of beneficiaries, including those under the foreign exchange intervention scheme. The Federal High Court granted HEDA’s request and ordered the release of the information. Dissatisfied, the CBN appealed, arguing that the suit was statute-barred, that the lower court lacked jurisdiction, and that the FOI Act had been wrongly applied. It also claimed that no records existed on the pilgrims’ subsidized exchange rate. The bank further maintained that the trial court misinterpreted sections of the FOI Act. The Court of Appeal rejected all these arguments. It ruled that transparency and accountability are matters of overriding public interest and clarified that under Section 20 of the FOI Act, an applicant denied access to information may approach the court for review within 30 days—or within such extended period as the court may allow, citing Order 34 Rule 3 of the Federal High Court Rules. The court also dismissed the CBN’s reliance on technicalities, stressing that the discretion to grant leave for judicial review lies with the court, not the applicant. On the issue of evidence, the appellate court affirmed the supremacy of the FOI Act over conflicting provisions of Section 104 of the Evidence Act, noting that Section 22 of the FOI Act expressly asserts its overriding authority. Reacting to the judgment, HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, described the decision as a landmark victory for transparency and accountability in Nigeria. He noted that the ruling reinforces citizens’ right to demand and obtain public information, especially in cases involving public funds and subsidies. “This judgment is not just for HEDA but for all Nigerians who believe in openness in governance. It sends a clear signal to institutions that secrecy has no place in a democracy and that public resources must be managed in the light of accountability,” Suraju said.

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CBN Loses Appeal as HEDA Secures Order on MTN Fine Settlement Details

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has dismissed the appeal filed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) challenging a Federal High Court judgment that ordered it to release information requested by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) concerning its settlement with MTN Nigeria over allegations of improper repatriation of funds. In a unanimous decision delivered by Justices Osman Alhaji Musale, Boloukuromo M. Ugo, and Mohammed A. Danjuma, the appellate court upheld the earlier ruling of Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which on January 10, 2024, directed the CBN to provide details of the settlement with MTN. The court further awarded the sum of N500,000 as costs against the apex bank in favour of HEDA. The dispute traces back to 2021 when HEDA, invoking the Freedom of Information Act, demanded that the CBN disclose the details of its resolution with MTN Nigeria after the government accused the telecommunications company of illegally repatriating $8.1 billion in violation of foreign exchange regulations. While MTN eventually reached an out-of-court settlement with the Federal Government, the terms of the agreement were never made public, prompting HEDA to approach the courts to compel disclosure. The Federal High Court had ordered the apex bank to release comprehensive details of the transaction, including the initial fine imposed on MTN, the final amount paid, the basis for the initial sanction, any concessions that resulted in a reduction of the fine, and the procedure through which such concessions were granted. Dissatisfied with the judgment, the CBN filed an appeal, contending that the lower court lacked jurisdiction, that the case constituted an abuse of court process, and that its right to fair hearing was violated. The bank also raised issues regarding the interpretation of Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act and Section 104 of the Evidence Act, 2011. The Court of Appeal rejected all these arguments, holding that under Section 1(2) of the FOI Act, an applicant does not need to demonstrate any specific legal interest before seeking information from a public institution. The justices ruled that once a request is denied, the burden rests on the public institution to justify its refusal. They further criticised the CBN for attempting to divert HEDA to other institutions such as the National Library and the Federal High Court, noting that Section 5(1) of the FOI Act requires a public body that does not hold the requested information but knows where it is located to transfer the request accordingly and notify the applicant, a duty the apex bank failed to discharge. In its judgment, the Court of Appeal declared that the CBN, being a public institution, was bound by law to provide the information requested by HEDA. It described the bank’s failure to comply with the FOI request as unlawful and a breach of the intent of the legislation. Consequently, the appellate court affirmed in its entirety the decision of the lower court and ordered the CBN to pay N500,000 in costs to HEDA. The ruling, according to HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, not only compels the Central Bank of Nigeria to release the long-sought details of its settlement with MTN Nigeria but also strengthens the enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act, reinforcing the principle that public institutions must uphold transparency and accountability in their dealings.

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Africa’s Clean Energy Agenda: HEDA joins global and regional stakeholders in Accra for FEC 2025

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) joined key stakeholders at the Future of Energy Conference (FEC) 2025, held on 26th and 27th August at the Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana. The civil group ably represented by its Legal and Programme Manager, Mr. David Ogungbesan and Monitoring and Evaluation/Compliance Officer, Mrs. Barakah Danmole. HEDA participated in high-level discussions on financing Africa’s energy transition and unlocking investments for sustainable growth. The conference brought together policymakers, innovators, civil society organisations, private sector leaders, and development partners to reflect on Africa’s paradox of abundant natural resources amid persistent energy poverty. Participants highlighted the urgency of inclusive, accountable, and African-led solutions to address the reality that 600 million people on the continent still lack access to modern energy. Across two days of keynote addresses, panel sessions, fireside chats, and side events, the dialogue centred on innovative financing models such as blended finance, carbon markets, green bonds, and diaspora bonds, while also warning against unsustainable debt burdens. Strong governance, enabling policies, and regional cooperation were underscored as critical enablers of progress, with civil society organisations like HEDA positioned to hold governments and corporations accountable. National Oil Companies (NOCs) were identified as strategic players in the transition, but participants emphasised the need for improved corporate governance and insulation from political interference. A recurring theme was the importance of making clean energy projects “bankable” through financial viability, technical soundness, and supportive regulatory frameworks. The conference also featured an Innovation Challenge, where young Africans showcased home-grown solutions to energy challenges. Ashaba Ajarah from Uganda won first place with her innovative plastics-to-electricity and solar PV housing model, while innovations from Zimbabwe and Ghana also earned recognition. In its communiqué, the conference reaffirmed that Africa’s energy transition must be shaped “by Africa, for Africa, from Africa.” It called for mobilising domestic resources, scaling blended financing, reforming tariffs, and fostering regional integration to position Africa competitively in the global clean energy value chain. The 2025 edition not only reinforced the urgency of Africa’s transition agenda but also celebrated the continent’s growing capacity for innovation, collaboration, and leadership. With a commitment from stakeholders to deepen partnerships through 2026 and beyond, there is renewed hope that Africa’s clean energy future will be both inclusive and sustainable.

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HEDA Urges Osun Governor Adeleke to Dethrone Ipetumodu Monarch Convicted of COVID-19 Fraud in U.S

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption and human rights organization, has called on the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to immediately commence the statutory process of dethroning Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, following his conviction and sentencing by a United States court for COVID-19 relief fraud. On August 26, 2025, Judge Christopher A. Boyko of the Northern District of Ohio, United States, sentenced Oba Oloyede to five years’ imprisonment for his role in a multi-million dollar fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds. The court also ordered him to repay approximately $4.4 million to victims of the fraudulent scheme. The monarch had earlier pleaded guilty after prosecutors presented evidence that he fraudulently used six companies to obtain loans under U.S. emergency relief packages, including the Paycheck Protection Programme (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) schemes. The civil society group, in a letter signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to Governor Ademola Adeleke, stressed that a traditional ruler, who by virtue of his position is expected to embody integrity, culture, and respect, cannot continue to occupy the revered stool of Ipetumodu while bearing the stigma of criminal conviction abroad. According to Suraju, traditional rulers are the custodians of culture and values, symbols of authority, and closest to their people. Such a sacred position must never be tainted by the moral burden of fraud, corruption or criminal conviction. “It is therefore on this premise that we respectfully demand the dethronement of Oba Yusuf Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, to preserve the honour of Osun’s traditional institutions and safeguard the integrity of the state.” Suraju added. The anti-corruption organisation warned that failure to act promptly could amount to condoning fraud and defiling Osun State’s traditional institutions by the government. It urged the Governor to uphold the sanctity of leadership and protect the image of Nigeria both nationally and internationally. HEDA assured that it will continue to monitor developments closely and remain steadfast in advancing accountability, transparency, and the rule of law across all sectors of governance and leadership.

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HEDA Gives AGF 14-Day Ultimatum to Reinstate Criminal Charges Against Ex-AMCON Boss, Ahmed Kuru

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption and human rights organization, has called on the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to immediately reinstate the criminal charges against Mr. Ahmed Kuru, former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). In a petition signed by its Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, and addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation, the civil society organization expressed grave concern over the decision of the Justice Ministerto discontinue criminal proceedings against Mr. Kuru, despite the fact that the case was being prosecuted under the Criminal Law of Lagos State. Recall that on August 12, 2025, The Guardian reported that Hon. Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court discharged the defendant following a Notice of Discontinuance filed by the Director of Public Prosecution on behalf of the AGF. HEDA stressed that the AGF acted outside the scope of his constitutional powers, insisting that Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution only empowers the AGF to discontinue criminal cases arising from Federal Laws Acts of the National Assembly, and not cases instituted under state laws. Further citing the Supreme Court decision in FRN v. Osahon (2006) 5 NWLR (Pt. 973) 361, the organization reiterated that matters arising from state laws remain the exclusive jurisdiction of the Attorney General of the State, in line with Section 211 of the Constitution. The group further referenced State v. Ilori (1983) 1 SCNLR 94 to reinforce its argument. According to HEDA, “Criminal defence is an opportunity for the accused to clear his name, not a political shield from justice. Allowing the case to proceed is in the best interest of justice, particularly as Mr. Kuru’s co-defendant has already admitted guilt through a plea bargain and forfeited proceeds of the crime to the EFCC.” The organization therefore demanded the immediate reinstatement of charges against Mr. Kuru and other defendants. It warned that failure by the AGF to act within 14 days would compel HEDA to petition the Nigerian Bar Association’s Disciplinary Committee for abuse of office and explore other local and international legal actions. The organisation reminded the Attorney General of a failed similar attempt by his immediate predecessor Abubakar Malami, in the case against an in-law to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, John Abebe in 2018, in which the current Special Adviser in the AGF’s office and efcc prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, vehemently opposed Malami’s request and persuaded Justice Dada against granting The request, on the simple ground that only AG of Lagos State is constitutionally empowered to effect such withdrawal or take Over. The civil society organization further reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the fight against corruption, the defence of human rights, and the pursuit of justice in Nigeria.

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