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.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called upon residents of climate-frontline communities in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, to adopt sustainable environmental practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This call was made during a visit to two communities, Piwoyi and Ushafa, located in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and Bwari Area Council, respectively. The sensitization campaign is part of the organization’s “African Activists for Climate Justice” project, conducted in collaboration with Oxfam. Sulaimon Arigbabu, the Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, emphasized their commitment to amplifying the voices of climate-affected communities across Nigeria. “Today, we visited Piwoyi Community under AMAC LG, Abuja, and an agrarian community along the River Upah. It is concerning that despite the community’s proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FTC) and its significant population, there is no government presence,” he stated. Arigbabu regretted that the community faces substantial challenges, primarily massive flooding and erosion resulting from intense rainfall, causing the River Upah to overflow its banks and wash away farms and infrastructure. “A bridge constructed for the community by a private company located within has been washed away and rendered useless, making it impossible for some community members to access their farmlands or transport their produce to the market,” noted Mr. Arigbabu. During interactions with the residents of Piwoyi community, he highlighted their grievances, including the absence of government support and relief promises following flood disasters in recent years. “There has been no infrastructure support to alleviate their sufferings,” he added. Jenima Ezekiel, a resident of Piwoyi and a woman farmer, shared her plight, emphasizing that farming is her sole occupation. However, the recurrent floods have consistently destroyed their crops. “This year, I planted maize and beans, but the overflowing water washed away the crops. We could only salvage a few,” she lamented. Elizabeth David, another woman farmer in Piwoyi, who farms across the River Upah, explained the challenges they face, including the destruction of the bridge used to access their farms. “The overflowing water destroyed the bridge we often use to cross to the other side of our farms. We are appealing to the government to come to our aid,” she urged. In the Ushafa community in Bwari Area Council, Arigbabu noted that the community is not prone to river-related flooding but is susceptible to flash floods during intense rainfall due to “poor physical planning.” “This community is situated on high ground on top of rocky terrain and is thus not affected by rising waters or the type of flooding that others experience,” the official said. He explained that a major concern in the Ushafa community is the lack of reliable water supply despite hosting the Asuma Dam, a significant water source in Abuja. He mentioned that, as a result, households unable to install and maintain a borehole require women and children to travel long distances to fetch water from water bodies within the mountains. While appreciating the HEDA Resource officials for bringing climate awareness to their community, the Ushafa village head, Muhammadu Baba-Kwanga, and his council asked the organisation to assist them in urging the government to address their inadequate water supply situation. “We are also urging the HEDA Resource Centre, other NGOs, and the government to come to our aid with a robust tree planting programme,” Mr Baba-Kwanga said. He stated that they are convinced that planting and nurturing more trees in their community is the only way they can contribute to the solution to climate change.  

In an endeavor to raise awareness among vulnerable communities that suffered from flooding in Nasarawa State, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) and the African Activists for Climate Change (AACJ) Project, in collaboration with OXFAM, launched a community outreach program aimed at amplifying the voices of climate-affected communities. This initiative reached Lambaga community in Lafia Local Government Area of the state. “Amplifying the voices of climate-affected communities” is an NGO project dedicated to empowering marginalized communities in Nigeria. This project was conducted in partnership with OXFAM and received support from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   The NGOs visited Lambaga community to educate its residents about the far-reaching effects of climate change, especially considering the limited access to climate-related information in the area. Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, the Executive Secretary of the HEDA Resource Centre, shared insights with journalists after the awareness campaign. He explained that their presence in Lambaga community was part of their outreach program under the African Activists for Climate Change Justice project, a collaborative initiative by African civil society organizations (CSOs) aimed at advocating for climate justice on the African continent. Arigbabu emphasized that the program focused on amplifying the concerns of frontline communities like Lambuga, which had experienced significant flooding. Lambuga is an agrarian community that cultivates rice, maize, cassava, and other crops. He further appealed to governments at all levels to come to the aid of the community, which had suffered greatly from previous floods. During the visit, Mrs. Esther Friday, a farmer from Lambaga community and a mother of four children, recounted the impact of the 2022/2023 floods, which occurred in April and September. She explained that she could barely provide two meals a day for her children due to the consequences of climate change. Esther Friday lamented, “I lost my rice farm, my groundnut farm, cassava farm, and my house during the last flood. I’m calling on the government to come to my aid.” Another Lambuga resident interviewed during the visit, Mrs. Mary Loya, highlighted the community’s lack of access to clean drinking water, as they relied on a nearby stream. She expressed the need for the government to provide a motorized borehole to ensure access to safe drinking water. Mr. Joshua Jonathan, the National President of the Small Scale Agro Producer Association of Nigeria and a participant in the visit, stressed his commitment to anything affecting small-scale farmers. He noted that a majority of Lambuga’s residents were farmers who felt the impact of climate change. Their objective was to educate these farmers about climate change and its effects. Mr. Jonathan also emphasized the significant impact of climate change on small farmers and their determination to create awareness among Lambuga’s residents about these effects.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) in collaboration with Integrity Initiative International (III), is gearing up to host the 33rd Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) regional conference in the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja. This significant event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, 2023, and will bring together a diverse array of anti-corruption stakeholders and experts, both from local and international arenas. The central theme of this anti-corruption conference is “International Mechanism and the Fight Against Corruption.” The primary objective is to delve deeply into the various international anti-corruption mechanisms and frameworks, with a specific emphasis on the burgeoning advocacy for the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court (IACC). Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, expressed his thoughts on the upcoming conference. He underlined its continuation from a similar gathering held last year and stressed its aim to assemble esteemed experts and stakeholders. The goal is to rigorously examine the landscape of international anti-corruption frameworks, taking into account developments that have transpired since the last conference held in March 2022. Suraju emphasized, “We are also looking at facilitating constructive discussions and proposing strategies to address the challenges posed by corruption, especially in developing nations.” This statement underscores the conference’s broader mission of not only identifying problems but also formulating actionable solutions in the ongoing fight against corruption. The 33rd Anti-Corruption Situation Room conference promises to be a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and insights, with the collective intention of contributing to lasting solutions in the battle against corruption. The participation of both local and international anti-corruption experts signifies the global importance of this event in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical governance practices on a worldwide scale.

President Bola Tinubu and the Vice President Kashim Shettima have been asked to declare their assets and ensure public access as a moral lesson to strengthen public confidence in the Federal Government’s fight against corruption. Government officials at the local, state and Federal levels were also urged to declare their assets in line with the constitution of Nigeria either as new comers in the public service or as those who have completed their tenures. Close to a hundred participants at a conference organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA) Resource Centre made the call in a communique issued at the end of the 32nd Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) held in Kano on Tuesday. The theme of the conference was “Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria: Declaration of Assets for Public Office Holders.” The communique noted that Nigeria has made tremendous efforts to fight corruption through its anti-corruption agencies  but that  corruption remains a major problem that continues to stunt socio-economic and political development in Nigeria. The delegates said while former President Yar Adua made open declaration of his assets in 2007, his successor Mr. Goodluck Jonathan did not. They said while former President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo declared their assets in 2015, they failed to do the same in 2023 after eight years of leading the country. “Corruption fuels poverty, unemployment, extremism and all forms of human misery. Asset Declaration remains one of the instruments needed to fight graft among public officials,” the participants noted. Presentations were made by the Chairman, HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Suraju Olanrewaju, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Executive Chairman, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, Barr. Muhyi Magaji, Chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau, Prof Isa Mohammed, the Acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Abdulkarim Chukkol, the Director General of National Orientation Agency and ICPC were all represented among others. The Chairman of the event was former Executive Secretary, PACAC, Prof Sadiq Isah Radda. The participants said even though the Code of Conduct Bureau was established since 1979, public officials continue to undermine the key instruments in the global fight against corruption. They observed that the CCB also covers owning of foreign accounts, secret society membership and conflict of interest of public officials. Speaking at the conference, Prof Radda regretted that in 2015,  former President Muhammadu Buhari sent members of PACAC to South Korea to understudy the fight against corruption regarding asset declaration. He said on returning to the country, series of recommendations were made to the National Assembly but that the leadership of the legislature frustrated the far-reaching reforms necessary to defeat corruption in Nigeria. The HEDA Chairman said the HEDA Resource Centre’s recent global investigations revealed that 10  Nigerian Government officials in the United States own illicit property worth $56m while some 13 Nigerians in the United Kingdom fraudulently acquired property worth 120m pounds. The participants commended the Code of Conduct Bureau for having filed over 1000 cases of non-declaration of assets adding that the institution needs greater empowerment for more efficient performance. The delegates also demanded that public servants and bankers should be made to declare their assets as a way to curb graft across board. The communique said it is the duty of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to ensure public servants declare their assets in line with Constitutional provisions. The CCB should guarantee access to the public assets declared by public officials. In this respect, the National Assembly should empower the Code of Conduct Bureau to be able to perform its constitutional duties without hindrance while stakeholders should also employ technology as an effective means of eliminating corruption in Nigeria, the participants said in the communique. They observed that land acquisition is recognised as one of the focal points of graft actors. The anti-corruption agencies were therefore urged to work with each other, make effective use of bio-metrics and in collaboration with the Land Bureau, establish who owns which land and where in Nigeria. Participants, in the communique, also noted with deep concern instances related to the management of public funds including greater accountability expected from Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd and other related cases including the non-remittance for over 18 years of royalties amounting to over $60b dollars by oil stakeholders.

In pursuit of more inclusive efforts at combating corruption in Nigeria, emphasizing professionalism and patriotism, Internal Audit practitioners have been urged to uphold ethical standards and embrace anti-corruption strategies in the pursuit of their professional duties. Their role is crucial in preventing the facilitators of illicit assets and corruption by proactively preventing, tracking, and recovering illicit wealth. This call to action emerged during the 31st Anti-Corruption Situation Room, organized by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) in partnership with the Society for West African Internal Audit Practitioners (SWAIAP) in the nation’s capital on Tuesday, September 2023. During his keynote address at this anti-corruption workshop, Mr. Andrew Ogochukwu, the acting Auditor-General of the Federation, underscored the imperative of strengthening internal audit functions across government entities. He emphasized that internal auditors are the frontline defense against corruption, responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of internal controls to safeguard public assets and prevent their diversion for private gain. Dr. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, the Accountant-General of the Federation (represented by Adejo Osayi, Deputy Director of Special Duties), also urged audit and accounting practitioners to be mindful of potential role overlaps that can lead to confusion and reduced effectiveness in serving the public interest. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, emphasized the workshop’s significance in the fight against corruption, calling for professionalism and urging professional bodies to impose strict sanctions on members who enable corruption in the course of their duties. He expressed concern about how some auditors and accountants, through unethical conduct, inadvertently become enablers of corruption. The workshop concluded with a communique that included a plea to the Federal Government to issue a formal letter of appointment to the Acting Auditor of the Federation, enabling him to fully carry out the responsibilities of the office for the benefit of the nation. The 31st Anti-Corruption Situation Room workshop held in Abuja attracted substantial participation, with over 50 attendees, including auditors and state and non-state actors actively engaged in the anti-corruption fight. Distinguished panelists and participants included Mr. AbdulKarim Chukkol (Acting Chairman of the Economic Financial Crime Commission), represented by Mrs. Idowu Oluwole (Director of Internal Audit, EFCC); Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye (Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission), represented by Mr. Bhadmus Adejare (Chief Superintendent, Internal Audit, ICPC); Dr. Woko Boniface (Director of the Internal Audit Department at the University of Port-Harcourt); Mr. Patrick Nzechukwu (President, SWAIAP); Dr. Emmanuel Moore Abolo (GMD/CEO of The Risk Management Academy Limited); Obalim Esedebe (CEO, Ciel Consulting), among others.

In a resolute drive to fortify the nation’s commitment to combat corruption, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has undertaken a comprehensive series of strategic advocacy visits. These efforts, spearheaded by Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju, seek to amplify the impact of anti-corruption initiatives across various vital institutions and stakeholders. The culmination of HEDA’s endeavors is the presentation of meticulously crafted policy briefs, stemming from the Two-day National Anti-Corruption Conference, aimed at addressing pivotal aspects of the anti-corruption landscape. HEDA’s advocacy initiatives have spanned multiple crucial institutions, including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police Service Commission, and the National Human Rights Commission. These policy briefs extend their purview to encompass institutions as diverse as the presidency, the national assembly, anti-graft agencies, the media, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the judiciary. The core objective of these advocacy visits, as articulated by HEDA Chairman, Suraju, is to reinforce the nation’s anti-corruption efforts by implementing the policies to actively engage stakeholders and the public in the ongoing battle against corruption. The responses to these initiatives have been resoundingly positive. Dr. Garba Abari, Director-General of NOA, commended HEDA’s pivotal role in shaping the national agenda for a more transparent and accountable Nigeria. He expressed eagerness to seamlessly integrate the policy propositions into NOA’s activities, emphasizing their transformative potential in reshaping public perceptions of corruption. Similarly, during HEDA’s advocacy visit to the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Ojogbane Fila, Director of Planning and Research Statistics, expressed profound appreciation for the timely presentation of the policy briefs. She recognized their substantial significance, as they stand to become integral components of the ministry’s strategic work plan for the years 2022 to 2026. Mrs. Fila affirmed the ministry’s commitment to active collaboration with HEDA in the continued battle against corruption, acknowledging HEDA’s unwavering dedication to championing anti-corruption initiatives. HEDA’s advocacy outreach extended to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), where Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju emphasized the intrinsic connection between corruption and human rights violations. He urged NHRC to play a proactive role in overseeing funds recovered from corruption cases, recognizing the potential for these funds to advance the cause of human rights. In response, the Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu SAN of the NHRC lauded HEDA’s steadfast efforts in combating corruption. He underscored the significance of reinforcing anti-corruption institutions and urged government bodies to enhance the welfare of civil servants, particularly in terms of their wages. Ojukwu also emphasized the importance of synergy among anti-graft agencies in effectively combating corruption. Further advancing anti-corruption initiatives, HEDA conducted an advocacy visit to the Police Service Commission. The policy briefs presented underscored the pivotal roles and expectations placed upon the Nigeria Police Force and anti-graft agencies in this collective endeavor. Chairman Dr. Solomon Arase of the Police Service Commission lauded HEDA’s contributions to national security and anti-corruption efforts. He highlighted the establishment of a Compliance Monitoring Unit (CMU) aimed at monitoring and holding accountable police officers who violate human rights. Chairman Arase urged the public to report violations by calling 08094767777. He also revealed plans for collaboration with other partners to equip police officers with essential skills for effective corruption combat, underscoring the critical role of training in their reform efforts. These collaborative initiatives represent a significant leap in the ongoing campaign against corruption in Nigeria. They exemplify HEDA’s unwavering dedication to this vital cause, uniting various stakeholders and institutions in the collective pursuit of a more transparent, accountable, and corruption-free Nigeria.