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.

In a bid to mitigate the severe impacts of floods on smallholder farmers and local communities in Nigeria, HEDA Resource Centre has urged the Federal Government to prioritize early warning systems and farmer education. This appeal was made during a high-level advocacy dialogue in Abuja, which focused on proactive climate action. The event, titled “Protecting Smallholder Farmers and Vulnerable Communities from Climate-Related Shocks,” featured the launch of two pivotal reports on flood impacts and access to climate information. Organized with support from OXFAM under the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) Project, the dialogue underscored the need for equipping vulnerable communities with the tools and knowledge necessary to respond effectively to climate-induced disasters. Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, highlighted that early warning systems (EWS) are crucial for mitigating climate change risks. “Timely and actionable information enables farmers and communities to prepare, adapt, and protect their livelihoods from floods and droughts,” Arigbabu stated. He emphasized that despite Nigeria’s substantial infrastructure for EWS, a lack of political will remains a significant barrier. “We have the information, the agencies, and the technology; what’s missing is the commitment to ensure that this information reaches those at risk in time,” he explained. Moses Ogbaji, Benue State’s Commissioner for Agriculture, echoed the call for climate-resilient farming practices. He shared Benue State’s success with smart agriculture, using early-maturing, drought-resistant crops to mitigate the risks of erratic weather patterns. “Benue is leading by example, demonstrating how smart agriculture can ensure food security and resilience,” Ogbaji said, encouraging other states to adopt similar practices. Stakeholders agreed on the urgent need for early warnings and proactive measures to be central to Nigeria’s climate resilience strategy. They advocated for the adoption of smart agricultural practices, community-based early warning systems, and enhanced preparedness to protect farmers and secure food resources. HEDA Resource Centre remains dedicated to advocating for these changes, ensuring that vulnerable communities are equipped to thrive amidst climate challenges.

As climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts continue to disrupt farming communities in Nigeria, stakeholders and experts at the recent HEDA Resource Centre’s high-level advocacy dialogue in Abuja have urged the agricultural sector to embrace mobile technology and media as vital tools for building climate resilience. Stakeholders in the agriculture sector gathered through the theme, “Protecting Smallholder Farmers and Vulnerable Communities from Climate-Related Shocks: Implementing Early Warning Systems for Food Security and Livelihood Resilience in Nigeria,” to discuss how mobile technology and media platforms can deliver timely, climate-smart information to farmers, enabling them to mitigate climate risks effectively. The event brought together agricultural and climate change experts from both the private and public sectors. Farmers, researchers, and development partners examined strategies for safeguarding smallholder farmers and vulnerable communities from the increasingly frequent climate-induced shocks. HEDA Resource Centre’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, highlighted the urgent need for Early Warning Systems (EWS) that can proactively provide farmers with actionable information, emphasizing the importance of anticipating climate-related disasters before they happen. Yusuf Kelani, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Climate Change Matters, assured stakeholders that the government is also making strides toward enhancing climate resilience. He revealed plans to develop a climate alert system that will send early warning messages to all citizens via their mobile phones, ensuring that even the most vulnerable communities are better prepared for climate-induced hazards. Similarly, Rahmah Aderinoye, CEO of Rashak Farms Agri-Allied Limited, addressed the cultural barriers that prevent women farmers from accessing climate risk information. She advocated for targeted outreach that includes women and People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) to ensure inclusivity. As the dialogue concluded, participants reaffirmed the need for collaboration across sectors to make climate-resilient agriculture a reality. From integrating mobile technology into farming practices to overcoming cultural barriers that hinder the inclusion of women farmers, the experts agreed that timely, accessible information is the key to safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring food security amidst growing climate threats.

Stakeholders at the 1st International Anti-Corruption and Climate Change Conference, organized by HEDA Resource Centre in partnership with Hawkmoth and supported by the MacArthur Foundation, called for a people-driven energy transition and divestment proposal, prioritizing the public good and holding International Oil Companies (IOCs) accountable. The two-day event brought together government officials, anti-graft agencies, civil society organizations, international partners, media to discuss corruption, climate change, and sustainable development in Nigeria and West Africa. The conference featured keynote speakers including the Minister of Environment, Dr Ishaq Salako represented by Director of Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), Chairman, House of Representative Committee on Information, Hon Akin Rotimi, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, among others with several panel discussions, and extensive recommendations. Participants commended HEDA’s leadership in advocating for transparency in the oil and gas sector and stressed the urgency of the event’s agenda. Key highlights included calls for legal reforms, institutional strengthening, raising public awareness, and international cooperation to combat corruption and climate change. The participants also emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector, with particular attention to reviewing the Petroleum Industry Act. Discussions focused on the detrimental effects of corruption and environmental degradation on local communities, especially in the Niger Delta. Stakeholders underscored the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The event concluded with several key recommendations, including promoting a people-driven energy transition, enhancing corporate accountability for environmental damage, retrieving stolen public funds, and empowering communities through inclusion and sustainable development initiatives. The conference were graced by the United States Embassy, Abrahamian Andray,  Director National Human Rights Institute, Mrs. Agharese Arase, Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director, CTA, Isac Botti, Social Action, Founder/Publisher, Premium Times, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi. Others are NEITI Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Country Director, Stakeholders Development Network, (SDN), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, Commission Chief Executive, NUPRIC, Executive Director, Ms Emem Okonm, Director, CDD, Dr. Dauda Garba, Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Environment, Hon Terser Ugbor. Also,  Rev. Nimmo Bassey, Member, HYPREP, Mr Celestine AkpoBari, CEO, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, Bankole Oloruntoba, MD/CEO Rural Electrification Agency, Mr Abba Aliyu, Senior Officer Natural Resource Governance Institute, Tengi George Ikoli, Co-founder, Cornerhouse, Mr Nicholas Hildyard, CEO, Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, Mr Bankole Oloruntoba. It also includes the Kano Anti-Corruption Commission, Barr Muhyi Magaji, ED, ANEEJ, Rev David Ugolor, ED African Centre for Governance Asset Recovery and Sustainable Development, Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagwu, Transparency International, USA, Ms Annalise Burkhart, Recommon, Antonio Tricarico, Hawkmoth co-Founder, Simon Taylor, the media, labour, Civil Society Organisations from Nigeria and Africa among many others. The international conference reinforced HEDA’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development across Nigeria and West Africa. You can download the communique of the International Anti-Corruption and Climate Change Here