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.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading civil society organization committed to promoting human rights, democracy, and good governance, has strongly condemns the Department of State Services’ (DSS) reported directive to arrest activist Omoyele Sowore, upon his return to Nigeria. This action, as revealed by a leaked DSS memo, constitutes a brazen violation of Sowore’s constitutional rights to freedom of expression, movement, and peaceful assembly. Recall that the leaked memo, obtained by SaharaReporters, indicates that the new DSS Director General, Adeola Ajayi, has placed Sowore on a security watchlist for his role in recent #EndBadGovernance protests. The directive reportedly calls for Sowore’s arrest upon arrival in Nigeria, raising serious concerns about the arbitrary use of state security apparatus to suppress dissent and stifle activism. HEDA Resource Centre in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, unequivocally condemns any attempt to intimidate or harass activists and citizens who are exercising their legitimate rights to protest and call for accountability in governance. According to Suraju, the planned arrest or placement on security watchlist of Mr. Sowore, a known critic of government policies and a vocal advocate for social justice, without any prior invitation would represent a direct attack on democratic principles and the civic space in Nigeria. The statement reads, “We remind the DSS and other security agencies that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech, assembly, and movement, and any action that undermines these fundamental rights is unlawful and unacceptable. The use of state power to silence critics is a dangerous venture that threatens Nigeria’s democracy and undermines public confidence in the government and country’s institutions.” “We call on the DSS to immediately withdraw any directives targeting Omoyele Sowore and to refrain from using security agencies as tools for political repression. Rather than focusing on arresting peaceful protesters, the DSS should channel its resources towards addressing the rising insecurity that has plagued the nation and the safety and security of all Nigerians.” Suraju further urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to demonstrate respect for human rights and uphold the rule of law by ensuring that security agencies act within the bounds of their legal mandate. Any form of unlawful arrest or detention will only serve to escalate tensions and undermine efforts to build a more just and equitable society. In conclusion, we stand in solidarity with Omoyele Sowore and all Nigerian citizens who continue to speak truth to power in the face of intimidation. HEDA remains committed to defending the rights of all individuals to express their views freely and peacefully without fear of persecution.

In a bid to strengthen disaster risk management and flood preparedness, the HEDA Resource Centre and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) met on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, to discuss potential collaboration. The HEDA team led by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, and Program Officer, Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development, Akinmayowa Shobo, were received at NEMA’s headquarters in Abuja. Mr. Arigbabu at the strategic meeting, outlined HEDA’s ongoing efforts in disaster risk reduction, particularly in hard-to-reach communities. Arigbabu emphasized partnering with NEMA to enhance emergency preparedness, mitigation, and response across Nigeria. A key outcome of the meeting was NEMA’s invitation for HEDA to participate in their upcoming stakeholders’ meeting. This forum, held after NEMA’s annual report release, provides a platform for discussing climate-related disaster predictions from agencies such as the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA). HEDA was encouraged to use this opportunity to deepen its engagement with other disaster management stakeholders. The discussion also highlighted the need for comprehensive data validation related to flood awareness and sensitization in high-risk communities. The meeting underscored the importance of understanding the impact of flooding on community members and leveraging validated data to garner further support for at-risk populations. The organisation further presented an overview of its previous work, including its use of NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and NIHSA’s flood outlook reports. The team shared insights into their efforts to measure the effectiveness of sensitization activities, illustrating how data-driven approaches have informed community-level interventions. NEMA provided valuable insights into its operational framework, including its collaboration with State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs). This information is crucial for HEDA as it aims to expand its outreach and strengthen partnerships with state-level disaster management bodies. The deliberation also addressed sustainability concerns, with HEDA explaining its strategy for maintaining projects beyond initial funding through partnerships and community engagement. NEMA acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in HEDA’s approach, especially its focus on collaboration and community involvement. Both organizations agreed on the need for a follow-up meeting to explore a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to inviting HEDA to their stakeholders’ meeting and provided a strategy document and annual report to align future activities. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to improving coordination and collaboration in disaster management efforts across Nigeria.

To address the increasing impact of disasters and flooding in Nigeria, HEDA Resource Centre and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) are exploring a strategic partnership aimed at improving disaster risk management and flood preparedness across the nation. The meeting, held in Abuja, featured discussions between the HEDA team, led by Executive Secretary Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu and Program Officer for Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development, Akinmayowa Shobo, and NIHSA representatives Engineer Aliyu Mohammed and Taiwo Bamgbose. At the pivotal meeting, Mr. Arigbabu outlined HEDA’s ongoing work in environmental justice and sustainable development, emphasizing the need to strengthen collaborations with key government agencies to tackle climate change challenges. The discussion highlighted HEDA’s longstanding relationship with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the necessity of expanding these partnerships to address issues impacting frontline communities and smallholder farmers. Engineer Aliyu Mohammed expressed interest in formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HEDA and NIHSA. The proposed MoU would leverage NIHSA’s hydrological expertise alongside HEDA’s grassroots outreach to improve data sharing, capacity building, and public awareness. This collaboration aims to enhance disaster risk reduction efforts and optimize the use of existing data from various sources, including NGOs and government agencies. A significant portion of the meeting focused on developing a post-flooding map to aid recovery and planning efforts. Discussions also highlighted the need to improve the timeliness and effectiveness of early warning systems. HEDA raised concerns that NIHSA’s flood warnings are often not acted upon promptly, underscoring the necessity for delivering actionable information well in advance of flooding events. Both parties acknowledged the potential of existing data from various organizations and committed to a coordinated approach to utilize this information effectively. HEDA pledged to share data collected through its outreach activities, including surveys and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials, with NIHSA. In response to concerns about communication strategies, Mr. Arigbabu noted that HEDA uses local languages to ensure critical information reaches affected communities in an accessible and culturally appropriate manner. NIHSA agreed to support HEDA’s outreach efforts by providing sensitization materials and discussed the possibility of NIHSA personnel participating in HEDA’s radio programs to enhance messaging on flood risk and preparedness. The meeting concluded with an agreement to schedule a follow-up meeting with NIHSA’s Director-General to formalize the proposed MoU. HEDA also invited NIHSA to participate in a high-level consultation on disaster risk management for smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities, held on August 28, 2024, alongside the launch of two reports from HEDA’s 2023 programmatic and research efforts.

Prior to the 1st International Anti-Corruption and Climate Change Conference, HEDA Resource Centre, led by its. Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, alongside international anti-corruption stakeholders, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja. HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, commended Mr. Olukoyede for his leadership and the EFCC’s achievements, including the disbursement of recovered looted funds to victims  of corruption. The HEDA delegation included Nicholas Hildyard (Co-founder CornerHouse), Antonio Tricarico (Recommon), Simon Taylor (Co-founder Hawkmoth), Cecilia Ogwuche (HEDA Program and Legal Officer), and Tonye Dappa. Each shared their insights and support for the EFCC’s mission. Nicholas Hildyard commended the EFCC’s relentless fight against corruption, referencing the OPL245 case. He highlighted its importance and suggested regular updates on such cases via the EFCC website. On his part, Antonio Tricarico echoed Nicholas’s sentiments, stressing the obligations of OE D member states and the growing interest of the U.S Department of Justice in Corruption cases. Simon Taylor raised concerns over lawyers’ fees deducted from recovered funds, urging more transparency in the disbursement process. In response, EFCC Chairman Mr. Olukoyede acknowledged the challenges and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to partnering with CSOs. He emphasized a new directive to maintain detailed records of cases and ensure timely prosecution. The Chairman expressed his displeasure with paying lawyers from the proceeds of crime and highlighted the issue at the recent Nigeria Bar Association’s Annual General Conference. The meeting wrapped up with a presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph, marking another step forward in strengthening the fight against corruption.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre, a prominent environmental justice and anti-corruption organization in Nigeria, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reverse or review the recent appointment of Mr. Ajuri Ngelale as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action (SPEC). The organization argues that this appointment violates the provisions of the Climate Change Act 2021, which established the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). In a letter addressed to the President and signed by HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, the civil society group highlighted that Mr. Ngelale’s new role conflicts with the responsibilities legally assigned to the Director-General of the NCCC, the body mandated to lead Nigeria’s climate governance efforts under the Climate Change Act. HEDA acknowledged Mr. Ngelale’s commendable work as the President’s official spokesperson but expressed strong reservations about his suitability for the highly technical role of Designated National Authority (DNA) on Climate Action. According to the organization, the DNA position requires extensive expertise in international climate change policies, negotiations, and science—a background that is typically acquired over many years within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). “The assignment of Mr. Ngelale as the National Focal Point (NFP) for climate action is an aberration of the international system and ethos, given that DNAs are expected to possess deep technical knowledge and experience,” the letter states. HEDA further argues that it would be practically impossible for Mr. Ngelale to effectively perform the duties of the DNA while also serving as the Presidential Spokesperson. The Climate Change Act 2021, which HEDA references as the principal legislation governing climate action in Nigeria, specifically empowers the NCCC, chaired by the President, to lead the country’s climate governance efforts. The Act designates the Director-General of the NCCC as the primary administrator of climate policies and initiatives, making the creation of the Special Presidential Envoy position redundant and potentially conflicting with the NCCC’s mandate. HEDA’s letter stresses the importance of adhering to the existing legal framework, which has been recognized both locally and internationally as a robust foundation for Nigeria’s climate governance. The group cautions that the appointment of Mr. Ngelale, along with the attached Terms of Reference (ToR), undermines the authority of the NCCC and could lead to inefficiencies and duplicative costs, especially given Nigeria’s current economic challenges. In light of these concerns, HEDA urged President Tinubu to withdraw or dissolve the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and the associated Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions. The organization suggests that if the President wishes to retain Mr. Ngelale in a special envoy role, the ToR should be revised to avoid overlapping with the legally defined responsibilities of the NCCC. HEDA concludes its appeal by emphasizing the need for the President to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s climate governance institutions and prevent potential international embarrassment. The organization expresses confidence that President Tinubu, known for his commitment to fairness, rule of law, and democratic values, will reconsider the appointment in the nation’s best interest.

Following the recent invasion of the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has strongly condemned the unwarranted act of intimidation against the civil society organization by the security operatives. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group maintained that the attack represents a disturbing threat to the democratic principles and freedoms that form the bedrock of our nation. He said, “We firmly stand in solidarity with SERAP and call on President Bola Tinubu to immediately direct the DSS to halt all forms of harassment, intimidation, and attacks on SERAP or any other civil society group. Civil society organizations (CSOs) are vital stakeholders in nation-building, playing an essential role in ensuring accountability, protecting human rights, and upholding democratic values. Any form of threat, harassment, or suppression of their activities is an assault on these values and an affront to the rule of law. “As civil society groups, we exist to serve the public good, and our work must be protected, not threatened. The recent attack on SERAP undermines the collective efforts of CSOs to foster a transparent and accountable governance system in Nigeria. We urge the Nigerian government to immediately investigate the officers responsible for this invasion and ensure that those involved are held accountable for their actions,” Suraju maintained. HEDA Resource Centre believes that a vibrant civic space is essential for democracy to thrive. It is therefore the duty of the government to protect and support civil society organizations as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a party. “We will continue to collaborate with like-minded organizations to challenge any attempt to shrink civic space or curtail the fundamental rights of Nigerians. We urge President Tinubu and relevant authorities to ensure that the rights and safety of civil society groups are upheld so they can continue to operate freely in the interest of our nation.”

The Nigerian government is facing mounting pressure to uphold President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to block Shell’s controversial divestment of its onshore oil fields. A coalition of 175 international and local organizations, led by Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), is urging the government to resist Shell’s efforts to push through the sale of its assets under the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to Renaissance African Energy—a Special Purpose Vehicle based in the British Virgin Islands with murky ownership. Concerns raised by the coalition focus on Renaissance’s lack of transparency, questions surrounding its technical and financial capacity, and the potential risks to host communities. Shell is financing 70% of the acquisition, raising further doubts about Renaissance’s independence and ability to manage assets responsible for 30% of Nigeria’s oil production. The government’s stance is backed by a report from S&P Global, an international consultancy firm hired by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). The report highlighted major issues with the deal, particularly Shell’s environmental record in Nigeria. It flagged concerns about Shell’s inadequate estimates of the environmental damage caused by its operations, with the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission estimating cleanup costs in Bayelsa at $12 billion—much higher than Shell’s projections. In a letter addressed to the NUPRC’s Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, and copied to President Tinubu, HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju expressed dismay at the NUPRC’s silence on the Shell-Renaissance deal. The commission had swiftly announced approvals of other divestments, such as the Eni-Oando and Equinor-Project Odinmim deals. This silence suggests alignment with S&P Global’s recommendation to reject Shell’s proposed transaction. The coalition expressed alarm over reports that Shell may be pressuring government officials to overlook the findings of S&P Global’s assessment. While no direct accusations of bribery have been made, HEDA emphasized that these reports warrant serious investigation. The matter has been referred to relevant regulatory and investigative bodies for review. HEDA, along with its coalition partners, is calling for the immediate public release of the S&P Global report, emphasizing the need for transparency. “This report was commissioned with public funds, and NUPRC has a duty to ensure accountability in this process,” said Suraju. The coalition is prepared to pursue all legal avenues to protect Nigeria’s environmental and economic interests. Key members of the coalition include the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria), Ijaw Elders Forum Lagos, Friends of the Earth International, Greenpeace Africa, and many others from both national and international spheres. Together, they are committed to ensuring that the Shell-Renaissance deal does not move forward without due diligence and full transparency.