HEDA Resource Centre

CategoriesClimate change

Energy Transition Policy Brief

Nigeria’s energy transition is at a critical turning point. This policy brief by HEDA Resource Centre provides a deep analysis of energy transition, fossil fuel divestment, and accountability frameworks in Nigeria, with a strong focus on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NEITI standards, and the Energy Transition Plan (ETP). The report examines key issues such as oil asset divestment in the Niger Delta, Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT), and the concept of a just transition, highlighting the risks, gaps, and opportunities for sustainable development. It also outlines actionable recommendations for government agencies, civil society, oil companies, and local communities. If you are a policymaker, researcher, NGO professional, or climate advocate, this report provides valuable insights into how Nigeria can balance economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity in its transition to a low-carbon future. 👉 Download Nigeria Energy Transition Policy Brief

CategoriesHEDA Publications

Review of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), EITI Standard & Energy Transition Plan (ETP)

This report delivers a detailed analysis of Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), EITI Standard, NEITI Energy Transition Plan, and the national Energy Transition Plan (ETP). It uncovers key gaps, aligns major policy frameworks, and provides practical recommendations to support a more effective and sustainable energy transition in Nigeria. Whether you are a policymaker, researcher, or energy sector stakeholder, this report offers valuable insights into governance, transparency, and reform within Nigeria’s extractive industries. Download the full report below to access the complete findings and recommendations.

CategoriesHEDA News

Job Vacancy: Legal Officer

LOCATION: Ikeja, Lagos. REPORTS TO: Management Position Overview: We are seeking a competent and detail-oriented Legal Officer to provide legal support to our organisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for handling legal research, drafting and reviewing legal documents, supporting litigation processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing legal advisory services to support the organisation’s programmes and operations. Key Responsibilities Qualifications and Requirements How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter to humanresourceshedang.org with the subject line “Application –Legal Officer”

CategoriesHEDA News

JOB Vacancy: Programmes Manager (Good governance)

LOCATION: Ikeja, Lagos. REPORTS TO: Programs Director  Position Overview: We are seeking a passionate and dedicated person to join our Good Governance Department. The Programme Manager will lead the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of programs under the Good Governance Department. The role involves overseeing project execution, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, managing stakeholder relationships, and promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation initiatives. The Programme Manager will ensure that all governance-related projects align with the organisation’s strategic objectives and deliver measurable impact. Key Responsibilities: Qualifications and Requirements How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter to humanresourceshedang.org with the subject line “Application – Programmes Manager (Good Governance)”

CategoriesAnti-corruption HEDA News

‘Integrity Pays, No matter how long’ – Ex- Kano Anti-Corruption Chairman, Muhyi Magaji Charges Youths

In his keynote address at the unveiling of the 9th edition of 100 High-Profile corruption cases in Nigeria by HEDA Resource Centre, former Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Muhyi Magaji urged Nigerian youths to champion integrity in the fight against corruption. Speaking on the theme, “Youth as Catalysts of Integrity: Building a Corruption-Free Future for Nigeria,” Mr. Magaji said high unemployment and limited opportunities often encourage tolerance for corrupt practices. He encouraged youths to embrace honesty, fairness, and civic responsibility and use education and social media to strengthen transparency. “Integrity pays. No matter what. No matter how long,” Mr. Magaji said, calling for active youth participation in national development and anti-corruption efforts. The event drew civil society leaders, government representatives, legal practitioners, media professionals, and youth advocates. A panel of youth leaders and law students echoed this message, emphasising the critical role of young Nigerians in shaping the country’s future leadership. Moderated by Mayowa Shobo of HEDA, the panel featured Anyawu Chinwe of the Lagos State Young Lawyers Association, Adigun Olalekan of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Lagos Chapter, and law students Abdullahi Adesina and Ajiri Peter from the Lagos State University and the University of Lagos, respectively. The panel highlighted that youths, who constitute 60 to 65 per cent of Nigeria’s population, are uniquely positioned to influence governance and serve as advocates for transparency. Ms. Anyawu stressed the importance of positive role models, saying, “If they are involved in politics from now, they are going to be in front of the leaders in the future.” Similarly, Mr. Adesina emphasised ethics education as a means to guide youths toward corruption-free leadership, while Mr. Peter pointed out that corruption exists in everyday actions, including favouritism, queue-jumping, and abuse of office. The panellists also linked economic empowerment to anti-corruption efforts, noting that unemployment and financial hardship often push youths into unethical survival strategies. Ms. Anyawu advised young people to define personal boundaries and rely on moral guidance from family and religious institutions. Mr. Olalekan encouraged youth training and skills development initiatives as platforms for self-reliance.

CategoriesClimate change

HEDA Publication Reveals N1.38 trillion, $53.84 billion, £1 million allegedly stolen in 100 high-profile corruption cases

In its latest 9th edition of compendium, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre has revealed the vast scale of corruption in Nigeria, documenting 100 high-profile cases involving public officials and private individuals. According to the compendium, allegedly stolen amounts are reported in multiple currencies: N1.387 trillion, $53.84 billion, and £1 million. The report, unveiled in December, commemorating the international anti-corruption day by the civil society organisation in Lagos, referenced pending court cases involving former governors, ministers, senators, and other public officials accused of fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, and abuse of office. Notable high-profile cases in the compendium include one involving former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, who is accused of money laundering involving N4 billion in public fund. Former Accountant-General of the Federation Ahmed Idris is facing trial over alleged N109 billion fraud. In contrast, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello faces N110 billion in fraud charges and property forfeiture worth N80.2 billion. Former Minister of Power and Steel Olu Agunloye is also undergoing prosecution for a $6 billion scheme tied to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Plant, while former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke faces allegations of $20 billion in fraud and property forfeiture. Other notable cases include Ali Bello and Daudu Sulaiman’s N10 billion fraud case and Fatuyi Yemi Phillips’ N43.5 billion misappropriation allegations. Prominent former governors also appear in the compendium. Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, who is a serving senator, also faces N7.6 billion money laundering allegations. Former Taraba Darius Ishaku and former Abia State State Governor Theodore Orji are linked to N27 billion and N60.85 billion fraud cases, respectively, while former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam faces allegations involving N3.1 billion money laundering. The compendium also listed cases involving corporate and agency officials. Former AMCON Managing Director Ahmed Kuru faces N33.8 billion in money laundering charges, while former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele is also facing corruption charges in different courts in Lagos and Abuja. According to the report, fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement dominate high-profile financial misconduct, often accompanied by abuse of office. It added that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting 76 per cent of these cases, while the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) handles 16 per cent. Other agencies involved include the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Analysis shows former governors account for 16 per cent of defendants, former ministers and advisers 7 per cent, senators 1 per cent, and other public officials 76 per cent. Most cases (58 per cent) are ongoing; 11 per cent have resulted in sentencing, and 9 per cent involve property seizures. Fraud accounts for 54 per cent of charges, money laundering 20 per cent, and misappropriation or mismanagement 8 per cent. The report said corruption increases the cost of doing business, discourages investment, and undermines economic and political decisions, contributing to underdevelopment, insurgency, forced migration, and widespread poverty. HEDA researchers compiled the report by reviewing all available sources on 100 high-profile cases, the data with current information, and analysing it using IBM SPSS Version 23 to produce tables, histograms, and visualisations.

CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Urges Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo to Probe Fraudulent Nigerian Documents Exposed in UK Court Case Involving Chief Mike Ozekhome

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to launch an urgent and transparent investigation into the fraudulent procurement of Nigerian national documents exposed in a recent judgment by the United Kingdom’s First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). The case, Tali Shani v Chief Mike Agbedor Abu Ozekhome ([2025] UKFTT 1090 (PC)), delivered on September 11, 2025, revealed shocking details of fraud and forgery. The UK court found that the claimant, “Ms. Tali Shani,” was a non-existent person, and that the case was built on deceit using forged Nigerian documents including a National Identification Number (NIN), Death Certificate, and an ECOWAS Travel Certificate (passport) by certain persons representing Ms Tali Shani with Mohammed Edewor, a legal practitioner identified as the known Nigerian facilitator In similar vein, a fake Mr. Tali Shani was presented to the court by Chief Ozekhone and his son, supported by fraudulently procured Nigerian Passport and National Identification Number through the Nigerian immigration Servixe and National Identity Management Commissin under your ministry. According to the court, these documents were central to an elaborate attempt to mislead the court and illegally claim ownership of a property. The revelation, HEDA said, exposes deep cracks in Nigeria’s identity and documentation systems, with grave implications for national security and global reputation. In a petition signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA expressed outrage that such fraudulent documents could be procured and presented to a foreign court. “This case raises serious questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s national identification and passport systems. When forged documents can be used so easily to commit international fraud, it undermines our institutions and endangers national security,” Suraju said. HEDA is calling for a full-scale investigation into how the fictitious “Ms. Tali Shani” and “Mr. Tali Shani” obtained these documents, as well as the roles played by individuals, officials, and any legal or private entities, including the law firms of Chief Mike Ozekhome and Edewor Solicitors. The civil society organization also demanded that the Ministry should uncover all those involved in producing or facilitating the fraudulently obtained documents; enforce strict penalties against the culprits; strengthen systems to prevent the future issuance of national documents to fictitious persons; and make the findings of the investigation public to restore confidence in Nigeria’s documentation regime. “As a country, we cannot afford to overlook such a scandal. The ease with which fraudulent NIN and passport documents were issued calls for immediate reforms in our identity management processes. Accountability must be enforced to protect Nigeria’s image and safeguard our institutions from criminal manipulation,” Suraju emphasized.