HEDA Resource Centre

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HEDA Celebrates World Environment Day – ARTICLE BY: NURUDEEN SALAKO

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) a renowned non-governmental organization dedicated to championing environmental causes and promoting sustainable practices, has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and advocacy in commemoration of World Environment Day. In a statement released by Sulaimon Arigbabu, the Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, the organization highlighted its pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices and advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize the health of Nigerians and the well-being of communities. “For years, HEDA Resource Centre has been at the forefront of environmental protection, advocating for policies and initiatives through our multifaceted approach. We have made substantial progress in addressing critical environmental issues and driving positive change,” said Arigbabu. World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5th, serves as a global platform to raise awareness and encourage action on pressing environmental challenges. HEDA recognizes the significance of this day and calls upon individuals, communities, businesses, and policymakers to join hands and take decisive actions towards a sustainable future. Arigbabu emphasized HEDA’s commitment to raising awareness and educating the public as key drivers of positive change. Through extensive awareness campaigns, workshops, and capacity-building programs, the organization empowers individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills to become environmental stewards, fostering a greener and more sustainable society. “As we confront the critical environmental challenges of our time, HEDA Resource Centre remains steadfast in its mission to create a world where the environment is protected, communities thrive, and future generations can flourish,” Arigbabu added. The organization impactful initiatives have been instrumental in promoting responsible resource consumption, waste reduction, and the adoption of renewable energy sources. The organization’s multifaceted approach has yielded significant progress in addressing environmental issues and driving positive change in Nigeria and beyond. HEDA further urged everyone to play their part in safeguarding the environment and embracing sustainable practices. By working together, we can create a world where nature thrives, communities prosper, and future generations inherit a healthier planet.  

CategoriesHEDA News

WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL DAY WED, 2023 – ARTICLE BY: SHAKIRU SAKARIYAH

  Introduction; Plastic is one of the most enduring materials man has created. It is globally known that plastic materials take hundreds of years to degrade or decay, and research has shown that it is possible that it does not even fully degrade, but becomes what we call microplastic. Microplastic is the smallest part of a plastic material that can be eaten by aqua animals, which is non-nutritive, yet remain indigestible within their body, causing discomfort to the ocean animals which eventually leads to disastrous impact to the health of our planet and all its occupants. The presence of plastic in our ocean is continually increasing, and plastic pollution is still one of the main causes of marine species extinction, health problems for human beings and animals alike, and the destruction of our ecosystems. Plastic Pollution; Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues around the world – as the rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products overwhelms the world’s ability to deal with them. Plastic pollution is commonly noticed in developing Asian and African nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. Plastic waste makes up 80% of all marine pollution and around 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year. In the last ten years, we have produced more plastic products than in the previous century. And according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a statement – basically, 100% of plastic ever manufactured by human beings are still in existence, and some are thrown into the water body, discarded, and ended up in landfills or dumps or the natural environment. Research states that by 2050 – plastic will likely outweigh all fish in the sea. World Environment Day 2023 with the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” is here again; stressing the urgent need to strengthen the science-policy interface at all levels, strengthen global coordination and cooperation, improve understanding of the global impact of plastic pollution on the environment, and promote effective and progressive action at the local, regional and global levels, recognizing the important role played by plastics in society.  However, it is of important for the Government, Non-governmental organizations, and Private Sectors to take immediate action towards the long-term elimination of plastic pollution in marine and other environments, and to avoid detriment from plastic pollution to ecosystems and the human activities dependent on them. Furthermore, The industry needs to start promoting the sustainable design of products and materials so that they can be reused, remanufactured, or recycled and therefore retained in the economy for as long as possible, and minimizing the generation of waste, which can significantly contribute to sustainable production and consumption of plastic. It is on this note that – the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on plastic pollution converge to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, based on the adopted historic revolution (5/14) made in February 2022, at a session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), stressing the need for further international actions towards beating plastic pollution, with the ambition to end the discussion by 2024. The instrument is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic.   Plastic Pollution in Nigeria Nigeria is estimated to generate about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, and ranks on the ninth position among the countries with the highest contributions to plastic pollution. Unfortunately, over 88% of the plastic waste generated in Nigeria is not recycled. Instead, much of it ends up in water bodies – rivers, lakes, drains, lagoons and the ocean. Furthermore, Plastic accounts for 15% of the total waste generated in Lagos State, and the situation is likely to worsen as Nigeria’s population grows, from more than 220 million people now to an expected 401 million by the end of 2050. The production and consumption of single-use plastic is growing too. Dangote Refinery, the largest petrochemical refinery in Africa, is starting operations in Nigeria in the first quarter of 2023. Aside from refining fuel, the plant will also produce plastic products, in addition. Styrofoam widely known as disposable plate or cup is a public health hazard because it hurts the environment and our health. Styrofoam cups are non-biodegradable. Instead of breaking down over time, they break into tiny pieces and stay in the environment for hundreds of years. They take up valuable space in our landfills – causing breeding space for harmful insects to humans, and affecting the soil well-being for Agricultural purposes; Clog the water channels that eventually leads to flooding; and leach harmful chemicals to atmosphere causing global warming.   Mitigaion to Plastic pollution; The rapidly increasing levels of plastic pollution represent a serious global environmental issue that negatively impacts the environmental, social, economic and health dimensions of sustainable development, and that calls for world leaders intervention to profer sustainable practices to mitigate the plastic pollution Create awareness: The citizens’ awareness through exchange of global informations related to plastic pollution is crucial to regional reduction and prevention to plastic pollution and its related risks to human health and adverse effects on human well-being and the environment. The UN-EP can be stepped down to suit each country with reference to its own national circumstances, including its stakeholder activities, related to addressing plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. Waste management improvement: The waste management authority needs to put in place adequate disposal bins, easily accessible with timely and proper management for plastic-pollution free economy, thereby reducing the negative impact of plastic materials and styrofoams Implementation of the three (3) Rs approach: The 3Rs which is Reduce, Reuse and Recycle plastic materials. There is need for sensitising the communities through capacity building on alternatives to use of plastic materials to reduce its usage, educating on ways to effecienctly reuse and creating ideas on how to innovatively recycle plastic materials for sustainable ecosystem. Participation in general clean up: Conduct a campaign and/or advocacy for public environmental

Impunity Galore: A Chronicle of Some Unresolved High Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria (1999-2022)

Impunity Galore: A Chronicle of Some Unresolved High Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria (1999-2022), is a collection of corruption cases being investigated by the EFCC, ICPC, Senate and House Committees of the Nigerian law-making body- The National assembly. The collection is centred on cases between 1999 till 2022. Chapter One highlights the historical journey of Nigeria since independence in 1960, the crisscrossing of different epoch of governments whether military or civil rule till 2022. In chapter one, readers will find an economical characterisation of the ruling class, and how members of the ruling class have contributed to 60 years of underdevelopment of the Nigerian state. The chapter lays emphasis on the interminable rhetoric of the ruling class that is certainly not matched with realities. Interestingly, the chapter also captures a plethora of agencies and committees created by the same ruling class to address the menace of corruption which has grown unabated over the years. However, there are recommendations offered to political actors offered in this chapter with a view to addressing the menace of corruption. Chapter Two captures a broad-spectrum description of corruption from various perspectives of pro anti-corruption organisations like the world bank and establishes a nexus with one of HEDA Resource Centre’s publication which was released earlier in 2019. There is a short historical trace of the establishment of the two major anticorruption agencies – EFCC and ICPC. The chapter attempts to stress the paradox of a nation endowed with so much but have majority of its citizens lives in poverty. The chapter again concluded with recommendations to help foster policy discussion and formation. Chapter Three is centred around the aim of the study, which is to identify and compile unresolved corruption cases, either investigated by the National Assembly [NASS], and Executive of the Nigerian government other than those undertaken by the statutory anti-corruption bodies or not as well as those of the anti-corruption agencies. It underscores the constitutional provisions for governments both at the National and sub-National to address corruption, and it concluded on the challenges of fighting corruption. Chapter Four summarises a catalogue of unresolved alleged corruption cases by the executive, legislative arms of government in Nigeria since 1999 till date. it also attempts to give a sense of status of these alleged corruption cases Chapter Five, which is the concluding chapter, summarises the key findings of this study, conclusion and key recommendations to the Executive, Legislature, the judiciary, Civil Society Organisations, and the media. Download a copy here Impunity Galore

2023: Netherlands Foreign Ministry, HEDA, civil society groups seek free, fair elections

Ahead of the 2023 poll, the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre) have expressed commitment to deepening democracy in Nigeria. The two institutions said free and fair elections are the panacea for growth and prosperity of Nigeria. The Netherlands officials led by the Netherlands Consulate-General, Michel Deelen had also sought collaboration with HEDA to deepen democracy and non-violence in the coming elections. Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre) had last week hosted some officials of the Netherlands Foreign Affairs Ministry and several civil rights groups representing interests across the country to discuss 2023 election-related matters at the organisation’s office in Lagos. Meanwhile, the Netherlands delegates at the interactive session includes the Netherlands Consulate-General, Michel Deelen, the Head of the West-Africa Section at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Tijmen Rooseboom, Policy Coordinator for West Africa at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Rob Sistermans and Desk Officer Nigeria, Mrs Sosha Bronfman. However, speaking on behalf of the Dutch delegates, the Netherlands Consulate-General to Nigeria, Michel Deelen, said the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs are interested in understanding and knowing what is happening in the civic space regarding the forthcoming 2023 elections and engaging them stakeholders in the space to speak out on electoral related issues. In the same vein, the Executive Secretary, HEDA Resource Centre, Mr Sulaimon Arigbabu giving his welcome address, said the interactive session between HEDA, civil society groups and the delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands was aimed at broadening the democratic space, promote transparency and non violence in the forthcoming 2023 elections. Arigbabu also added that the meeting is in line with HEDA Resource Centre’s three core focal areas, namely: good governance and anticorruption; environmental justice and sustainable development; and electoral reforms. He said, “this gathering fits perfectly into a core aspect of our work. I must mention that, alongside our partners and leading voices on election-related matters, many of whom are either here seated or represented, we have been at the forefront of campaigning for electoral reforms as well as election observation and monitoring.” Recalled that as part of build up to the forthcoming 2023 general elections in February next year, HEDA last November, in collaboration with partners, convened key stakeholders for the 27th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) to discuss sundry integrity and accountability issues affecting Nigeria’s electoral processes and how these issues could be addressed ahead of the 2023 elections. Similarly, the Head of the West-Africa Section at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Tijmen Rooseboom, maintained that the European countries are interested in a peaceful election and was ready to work with groups committed to promoting democracy in Nigeria in line with global best practices, adding that Nigeria is an important partner in Africa. Some of the issues raised at the interactive session as threats to credible polls in the forthcoming general elections includes the state of Insecurity in Nigeria; the high rate of vote buying and selling exercise; electoral violence; disenfranchise of some eligible voters (women, Persons with Disabilities); BVAS technical errors; legal framework loopholes in electoral reforms and failure to pass the electoral offenders’ law or prosecute offenders; among others. The gathering however proffered some solutions to the highlighted problems, calling on the electoral umpire and the media to focus more attention on the rural areas to avert mass vote rigging, buying and selling. Participants also called on international bodies to sanction politicians that violate electoral laws as measures to discourage the illegal act. Similarly, the media and CSOs were also charged on formidable partnership in revealing electoral fraud and irregularities by politicians and political parties during the electoral process. The electoral law reference in the court during electoral offence cases should also enjoy utmost priority. The Dutch delegates reiterate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherland’s solidarity with the Civil Society Groups as they observe the elections and monitor processes leading to elections to ensure the success of the polls. Commenting on the international sanctions for politicians frustrating Nigeria’s electioneering process, Rooseboom further revealed that part of the European Union’s resolutions is to deny those politicians entry access to their countries. He added, “For us in the Netherlands, the government won’t only stop at denying them visas but also be freezing their (Nigeria Politicians) foreign bank accounts in the country, seizing their assets, and shutting down their companies. Civil society groups and media stakeholders at the interactive session included Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability (SERAP), Enough-Is Enough, Premium Times, Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), International Press Centre, (IPC), Women Arise, Daily Trust, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), The Cable, CACOL, UAD, among others.