In a concerted effort to tackle the pervasive allegations of corruption within Nigeria’s judiciary, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, will host the 37th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) on October 16-17, 2024. This conference will focus on providing effective strategies for transparency and accountability in the judiciary. The theme of this pivotal event, “Addressing Corruption in the Judiciary and Providing Effective Strategies for Transparency and Accountability,” is particularly timely in light of alarming findings from the recent corruption survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and UNODC. Released in July 2024, the survey revealed that an estimated $1.23 billion (approximately N721 billion) was paid in bribes to public officials in Nigeria during 2023, with a significant portion directed towards the judiciary. These figures highlight a persistent issue that demands urgent attention, especially given recent high-profile cases of judicial corruption, including attempts to bribe judicial officials during election proceedings. In a statement signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the organization emphasized that the integrity of the judiciary is at stake. He noted the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders including judicial leaders, civil society, and government officials to address these systemic challenges. “This ACSR will serve as a vital platform for dialogue and collaborative reform efforts. The event will not only assess the current state of judicial corruption but will also focus on developing actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the system,” Suraju stated. He further added, “Key objectives of the conference include increasing understanding of the challenges faced by judicial officers, fostering engagement between academia and civil society, and collaborating with the newly appointed Chief Justice of Nigeria on reform agenda. Meanwhile, the expected outcomes from the conference include a comprehensive understanding of judicial corruption, the formulation of reform recommendations, and strengthened partnerships among stakeholders to effectively combat corruption in the judiciary. Participants including legal scholars, judiciary leaders, anti-corruption advocates, government officials, and representatives from international organizations, will have the opportunity to engage in discussions on strategies to eliminate corruption and ensure that the judiciary remains a bastion of justice for all Nigerians.

In an effort to address climate change and flooding, HEDA Resource Centre is set to host the October edition of its monthly advocacy series, “Chatting with HEDA,” on X-Space. The virtual program will take place on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM WAT, focusing on the pressing issue of flooding in frontline communities across Nigeria. This month’s topic, “The Recurrent Flood in Frontline Communities in Nigeria: Is This Climate Change or Governance Gap,” will delve into the multifaceted challenges of flooding and its implications for affected communities. The discussion aims to provide insights into whether these recurrent floods are primarily driven by climate change or reflect deeper governance issues. The guest speaker for this session is Mrs. Ayoola Kassim, a seasoned journalist and producer at Channels TV. With her extensive background in reporting on environmental issues, Mrs. Kassim will bring a valuable journalistic perspective to the conversation, enriching the discussion and fostering thoughtful dialogue. The “Chatting with HEDA” X-Space series serves as a platform for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas on critical societal issues. This month’s discussion is particularly relevant as it seeks to identify solutions and strategies to combat the challenges posed by recurrent flooding in vulnerable communities. The event is open to the public, and HEDA encourages active participation from attendees. This is a unique opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and explore innovative approaches to mitigate the impacts of flooding. HEDA looks forward to welcoming participants to this important event and continuing the conversation on flooding and climate resilience in Nigeria. Link to Join:

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), an NGO, in collaboration with the Association of Small Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN) has sensitized climate frontline communities on flood in Nasarawa State. Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary, HEDA Resource Centre said this in Doma Local Government Area of the state. According to him, flood outreach awareness became necessary, given that most far and hard-to-reach communities lack access to the right information about flood outlook and weather forecast to be able to prepare for the flood. Arigbabu explained that when people have access to the right information and knowledge about their circumstances, they can help themselves better and avert disaster that comes with heavy rain and dry spells. He added, ‘We are currently working on flood awareness and sensitization for the climate frontline community, we have been going to several states in the country and we still have many more to go. “In these states, we are learning from the people about their experiences as regards flooding and other climate incidences like drought, and dry spells among others. For instance, did they get to know there would be a flood, did they get the information on time, how did they get the information and how did they prepare themselves, their challenges, and what government agencies are responding to them,” he said. Arigbabu further noted that the information and data collected aimed to help relevant Government Agencies and NGOs see the gap and plan better to be more effective in their work. “Some of these communities are not even aware of the flood outlook released by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), is not as if the information is not available, the gap is in the dissemination. Access to improved seeds that can help reduce their loss is difficult, so, is about access, availability, and affordability of the things they need,” he emphasized. Mr Jonathan Joshua, ASSAPIN National President, said the benefiting communities were selected based on the weather forecast and flood outlook by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency and Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency. “The flood risks awareness is kind of information we are giving to the communities, especially riverine communities to help them prepared, if they don’t prepare the flood will take them unaware, and they will lose more. He listed the benefiting communities to include; Rukubi, Akpanaja, Odori, Agyema, Ijiwo Okpatta, Ruti, and Iwashi communities, all in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa state. Godwin Zauka and Mustapha Okaku, participants, while thanking the organizers said it was the first time to receive sensitization on flooding, preparation, and safety tips to avert loss. They said the flood has been a recurring event in their communities that led to the loss of their farm produce and property yearly. The ‘Flood Awareness and sensitization’ for climate frontline communities, which HEDA Resource Centre is implementing in Nasarawa state is part of the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project, with support from Oxfam in Nigeria.

As flooding continues to threaten communities across Nigeria, HEDA Resource Centre has intensified its efforts to mitigate the impact on farming communities, particularly in Bauchi and Benue States. In collaboration with local partners and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands under the African Activists for Climate Justice Project, HEDA launched a flood sensitisation and awareness campaign across the country to educate and empower small-holder farmers on climate change impacts and flood preparedness. In Bauchi State, communities such as Walia, Melandige, and Sakuwa in Itas Gadau LGA were visited. During a sensitization session, Hajia Aminat Bala Jubril, Director , Association of Small-Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria, ASSAPIN, and a partner with HEDA,  addressed farmers on strategies to mitigate flood risks. She highlighted the importance of investing in flood-resistant rice seeds and advised farmers to incorporate these improved seeds into their future budgets to protect their crops. Hajia Aminat also urged farmers to stay informed through weather updates from NiMET, which has predicted potential flooding in the area between April and October 2024. Hajia Fatima, a community leader and farmer spoke on behalf of the local farmers sharingb their experiences with flood, and called on governments and corporate organisations to come to their aid by building long-term infrastructure that can withstand the flood, as well as dredging of the river, which had previously reduced the impact flood risks in the region. Similarly, in Benue State, HEDA engaged with the communities of Agasha, Adaka, Ajaha and Abatse of the Guma and Makurdi local government areas. The campaign focused on early warning systems and flood-resistant farming techniques. Farmers like Racheal Uzor shared their struggles with flooding, explaining how they had to navigate farming in flood-prone areas, often losing their crops despite flood warnings. She also appealed to the government for clean water access through boreholes, as their water sources have been severely affected by flooding. Victor Osimo, another farmer in Benue, highlighted the poor drainage systems and the impact of floods on their farmlands. He called for government intervention to address issues like agro-chemical contamination and poor infrastructure, which exacerbate their vulnerability to flood impact. HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, emphasized the importance of adopting modern, climate-resilient farming techniques to mitigate agricultural losses. He encouraged farmers to remain vigilant and use climate data to inform their planting decisions.He further explained that the objective behind this campaign, is to equip climate frontline communities, especially farmers with the right information and knowledge that will empower them to help themselves and reduce their climate related risks. Meanwhile, HEDA has visited five other states (Adamawa, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa) in the ongoing campaigns and in both states aim to equip communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to reduce the impacts of climate-related disasters. As the October-November flood period approaches, interventions, such as HEDA’s are crucial for improving the resilience of vulnerable communities across the country, in order to ensure that lives, livelihoods, and food security are better protected.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) congratulates the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on her confirmation as the head of the nation’s judicial arm of government, and charged the CJN with repositioning the administration of justice in the country. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group congratulated the Chief Justice and expressed optimism about her ability to lead much-needed reforms in the judicial sector. HEDA emphasized the judiciary’s critical role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring the protection of citizens’ rights. The organization called on the new CJN to take bold and decisive steps toward reforming the judicial system, particularly in addressing issues related to transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in the administration of justice. “The Nigerian judiciary plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s democratic process, and the expectations from citizens are high. We encourage the new Chief Justice to prioritize reforms that will restore public confidence and ensure that the judiciary operates with independence and accountability,” he said. According to Suraju, HEDA also pledges its support for the demanding task ahead for the CJN, offering collaboration to reposition the judiciary. The civil society organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability and good governance, stressing the importance of a fair and impartial judiciary in fighting corruption and human rights abuses. “Under the leadership of Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, we believe that the judiciary has the potential to become a stronger, more reliable institution for all Nigerians,” Suraju added. As the new Chief Justice assumes office, HEDA joins other civil society organizations and well meaning Nigerians in urging for a judiciary that reflects integrity and commitment to justice.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading anti-corruption organization and human rights advocacy group has issued a strong call to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun and the Director-General of the Department of State Security (DSS), Mr. Adeola Ajayi, demanding the immediate enforcement of a subsisting court order concerning the former governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello. In a letter signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to the security chiefs, HEDA expressed deep concern over the ongoing disregard for the rule of law. Despite valid court orders from both a Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal mandating Mr. Bello’s arrest and his presentation for trial, he continues to evade justice with alleged protection from the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS. In April 2024, a Federal High Court Judge ordered Mr. Bello’s arrest. This order was reaffirmed by the Court of Appeal in August 2024, directing him to present himself for trial. However, Mr. Bello has allegedly been shielded from arrest by law enforcement agencies responsible for upholding the law. According to Suraju, HEDA is particularly concerned over reports of confrontations between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and DSS, each time the EFCC attempted to arrest Mr. Bello. “HEDA strongly condemns this apparent protection of a fugitive and demands that the Nigeria Police Force and DSS immediately stop obstructing justice. We call for the immediate arrest of Mr. Yahaya Bello so that he can face the charges against him in court. “The continued defiance of court orders not only undermines the integrity of our judiciary but also erodes public trust in our law enforcement institutions. The Nigeria Police Force and DSS must fulfill their constitutional duties and ensure that justice prevails, and stop presenting the government as lacking in leadership and coordination,” Suraju added. HEDA expects both the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS to act swiftly and in accordance with the law they swore to defend.

HEDA Resource Centre, in partnership with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), held an engaging X-Space session to sensitize Nigerians on the importance of education and collaboration as key tools to fight corruption, with Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, Director of Public Affairs at EFCC, as the guest speaker. The discussion centered on the topic, “Unlocking the Power of Education and Collaboration to Combat Corruption in Nigeria.” Mr. Uwujaren emphasized the critical role education plays in the fight against corruption, particularly in a society where many remain unaware of the impact of corrupt practices on national development. He noted that corruption is often misunderstood by the public, with many failing to grasp the far-reaching consequences of the misappropriation of public funds. “At the EFCC, we have realized from over two decades of work that enforcing the law is not enough. We need to engage all stakeholders, educate them on how corruption impacts lives, and the implications of not combating it,” Uwujaren stated. In addition to educating the public, Uwujaren highlighted the EFCC’s use of various media platforms, including print, broadcast, and social media, to raise awareness about corruption. He cited the establishment of the EFCC Radio Station, 97.3 FM in Abuja as a significant step toward creating daily conversations around anti-corruption efforts, allowing Nigerians to engage with the commission directly and offer feedback. He further noted the importance of collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs), praising HEDA Resource Centre for its advocacy in the accountability space. However, Uwujaren also expressed concern about some CSOs that have derailed from their mission, focusing instead on personal gain rather than the collective good of the nation. The EFCC’s approach to tackling cybercrime was also a key point in the discussion. Uwujaren mentioned that the commission is working on rehabilitation programs to redirect the talents of young cybercriminals into legitimate, beneficial ventures, thereby transforming them from cybercriminals into cyber experts who contribute positively to society. Uwujaren’s address concluded with a call for Nigerians to join the fight against corruption, stressing that continuous education and collective action are essential to eradicating the scourge of corruption and ensuring a better future for the country.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption and human rights organization, has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun for alleged fraudulent misrepresentation of a private rice farm as a World Bank-assisted project under the Ogun State Government. HEDA petition, signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, follows a report published by Peoples Gazette on September 12, 2024, revealing that Governor Abiodun falsely claimed ownership of a rice farm belonging to Mr. Bello Zabarmawa, a Special Adviser to the Governor of Kebbi State. The rice farm, located in Ogun State, had been leased by Mr. Zabarmawa, who registered it under “Young Service Grow” using “Alubarika Farms.” He had personally invested N6 million to lease 220 hectares of land and provided interest-free loans to about 200 farmers for rice cultivation. The Ogun State government had supported the project by covering 50% of the cost for clearing the land and contributing to fertilizer costs. According to Mr. Zabarmawa, when the rice was ready for harvest, Governor Abiodun visited the farm and falsely paraded it as a solely Ogun State Government project, reportedly supported by the World Bank. This alleged misinformation raises concerns about potential attempts to misappropriate World Bank funds allocated for agricultural development in Ogun State. Meanwhile, HEDA is deeply concerned by the governor’s actions, which appear to reflect a broader trend of political leaders exploiting public resources for personal gain. The anti-corruption organization has further urged the EFCC to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, including the alleged misrepresentation and potential diversion of funds meant for public agricultural projects. If found culpable, HEDA insists that Governor Abiodun and any other individuals involved must be held accountable and prosecuted in accordance with the law. According to Suraju, “Nigeria has endured too many years of poor governance and corruption at the hands of leaders who prioritize personal enrichment over the welfare of citizens. HEDA remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance across all levels of government, and it calls on the EFCC to act swiftly in addressing this serious issue.” “HEDA acknowledges the efforts of the EFCC in the ongoing fight against corruption and looks forward to the findings of this investigation.” Suraju concluded.