The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading civil society organization has formally requested information from the Nigeria Police Force regarding the presence of legal practitioners in police divisions across the country. This request aligns with the organization’s mandate to promote public accountability, transparency, and human rights in Nigeria. HEDA in the request, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, highlighted Section 66(3)(a)(b) of the Police Act 2020, which mandates that every police division must have at least one officer qualified to practice as a legal practitioner. These officers are responsible for promoting human rights compliance among police personnel. In accordance with the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, 2011, the anti-corruption and human rights group seeks the contact numbers of these qualified legal practitioners stationed at police divisions nationwide, noting that the information is crucial for educating the public and providing them with the necessary tools to report human rights abuses by police officers. HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The presence of legal practitioners in police stations is a critical step towards ensuring human rights compliance within the Nigerian Police Force. By making this information accessible, we empower citizens to hold law enforcement accountable and uphold the rule of law.” HEDA Resource Centre looks forward to a prompt response from the Nigeria Police Force and remains committed to fostering a culture of transparency and respect for human rights in Nigeria.  

– Bunmi  Urges Emergency Measures and Urban Farming Initiatives Nigeria’s escalating food crisis poses a severe threat to national security, warned Ambassador Adeniyi Sola Bunmi, an agriculture expert and founder of Go Green Impact Africa Initiative, during Charting with HEDA on X-space hosted by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre). Bunmi emphasized that food insecurity makes the population vulnerable to desperation, leading to increased crime and instability. The Agribusiness expert highlighted the security threats posed by food insecurity, noting that banditry and kidnapping are forcing farmers to abandon their farms, which exacerbates the country’s food deficit and heightens national security risks. He identified several key factors contributing to food insecurity in Nigeria. Firstly, he pointed to climate change, explaining that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events disrupts planting schedules and crop yields, making farming conditions unpredictable. Secondly, he mentioned inadequate infrastructure, such as poor roads and lack of storage facilities, which hinder farmers’ ability to produce, process, and transport food effectively. Bunmi also discussed the ongoing conflicts between farmers and herdsmen, which disrupt food production and distribution. Additionally, he criticized the inconsistent agricultural policies that deter investment and undermine efforts to stabilize food production. Lastly, he highlighted the issue of weak regulation, noting that the lack of enforcement further impedes food availability. “The devastating impact of food insecurity on vulnerable groups cannot be overstated,” Bunmi said, highlighting the struggles of women, children, and people with disabilities. He noted that malnutrition and reduced income among smallholder farmers, who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, worsen the crisis. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees face significant challenges in accessing food and basic necessities. Calling for immediate action, Bunmi urged the government to declare a state of emergency in agriculture. He advocated for intentional and sustainable agricultural practices, the creation of conducive farming environments, and support initiatives from the grassroots to the national level. He proposed a public-private partnership to establish collection centers to minimize food wastage and provide a reliable market for farmers’ produce. Bunmi also promoted urban farming as a viable solution, encouraging communities to plant vegetables instead of flowers. He argued that urban farming can significantly enhance food availability, reduce reliance on industrial agriculture, and promote local food systems. It also fosters community engagement, innovation, and reduces food wastage. The discussion underscored the critical need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to address Nigeria’s food crisis. By declaring a state of emergency in agriculture, implementing consistent policies, and promoting urban farming, Nigeria can mitigate the risks posed by food insecurity and safeguard its national security.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) proudly participated in a significant two-day digital security and resilience workshop, organized by the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria (HRJN), in collaboration with the West African Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and the Mott Foundation. It aimed to equip journalists, civil society organizations (CSOs), and activists with essential knowledge and skills to safeguard their physical and digital security, ensuring freedom from intimidation or harassment by state and non-state actors. The workshop concentrated on digital security, emphasizing the protection of journalists and CSOs operating online and fostering resilience against various forms of attacks. Key topics covered included state surveillance, self-protection strategies for journalists and CSOs, the development of digital security policies, and legal support for litigation issues. Participants explored the escalating threats and arrests faced by journalists due to their work, highlighting the crucial role of CSOs in ensuring online safety for all. Discussions underscored the judiciary’s role in supporting journalism, advocating for accountability, and pushing for justice system reforms to create laws that protect journalists from increasing threats. Several distinguished speakers provided invaluable insights during the workshop: Israel Olatunji Tijani, CEO of ChatVE: Tijani initiated the workshop with an extensive session on privacy and security principles, focusing on the core aspects of information security—confidentiality, integrity, and availability. He offered practical tips on implementing these principles in daily operations to enhance overall security posture. On her part, Blessing Oladunjoye’s session on security and privacy settings highlighted the importance of two-factor authentication (2FA) and social media security. She explained how 2FA adds an extra layer of protection and provided step-by-step guides on adjusting privacy settings on various social media platforms to prevent unauthorized access. Godstime Agho, IT Expert: Agho’s session focused on physical security and the importance of strong passwords in mitigating risks. He discussed best practices for creating and managing strong passwords and emphasized securing workspaces, using lockable storage for sensitive documents, and implementing surveillance systems. Kehinde Adegboyega, Executive Director of HRJN: Adegboyega educated participants on state surveillance and techniques for citizen awareness. He outlined methods used by governments and other entities to monitor and collect data on individuals, provided strategies for detecting and evading surveillance, and stressed the importance of using encrypted communication tools. He concluded the workshop by highlighting its success in equipping journalists, CSOs, and activists with essential security principles. He urged all participants to remain digitally savvy and security-conscious in the ever-evolving digital landscape. The event underscored the critical importance of digital identity protection and strategies to counter digital threats. This initiative marks a significant step toward creating a safer environment for journalists and civil society organizations operating in the digital realm. Nurudeen Salako, HEDA Resource Centre’s Communication Officer, attended the workshop, reflecting the organization’s commitment to enhancing digital security and resilience among its members and the broader community. HEDA Resource Centre’s participation underscores its dedication to advocating for the rights and safety of those working in the digital space.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has reacted to the Federal House of Representatives members’ decision to reduce their salaries by 50% for six months. While acknowledging this as a step in the right direction, the civil society organization calls for more substantial actions from all political office holders and lawmakers to address the severe economic challenges faced by Nigerians through prudent management of resource and reduction in the cost of governance. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the organization emphasized that lawmakers must focus on comprehensive measures within their constitutional powers to ease the economic burden on Nigerians. He said, “The rising cost of living is a result of broader economic policies and a lack of accountability from various agencies, arms, tiers of government. While the salary reduction is symbolic, it does not significantly impact the overall Gross Domestic Product or the soaring prices of essential commodities. Nigerians need to see tangible policies and programs resulting in reduced cost of living and improved service delivery,” According to Suraju, “The salary cut by the House of Representatives is a commendable gesture, but it is far from sufficient in the face of current hardship. The senate, houses of assembly, presidency, governors, and local governments’ are required to equally follow with austere measures in the recurrent account balance sheet of governance. We urge a 50% reduction in these allowances across board, not just for six months, but until the economy shows real improvement.” HEDA also said, “Implementing the recommendations of the Oronsaye Report, which includes reducing the number of ministries, advisers, and ministers, should be a priority. This holistic approach to reducing the cost of governance is essential for meaningful economic relief.” The civil group stressed the need for lawmakers to use their constitutional powers to adopt more impact measures that go beyond salary reductions. HEDA remains committed to advocating for good governance, accountability, and transparency to ensure sustainable development in Nigeria.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has applauded the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its recent landmark judgement asserting the financial autonomy to the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country. This decision mandates the Federal Government to directly disburse federal allocations to LGAs, bypassing states governments’ joint accounts. In a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel of justices of the Court, the Supreme Court barred governors of the 36 states from receiving, withholding, tampering with, or utilizing funds allocated to local governments. This historic ruling marks a significant victory for good governance and the Nigerian people, promising enhanced sustainable and grassroots development. HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju hailed the judgement as a triumph for democracy and a crucial step towards improving governance at the local level. He emphasized that local government autonomy in practice is essential for effective resource management and the delivery of services that directly benefit the masses. “The Supreme Court, as a policy court, has made a decision that is fundamental to rule of law and beneficial for the society. While some may view this as interference in affairs of States, it is, in fact, a necessary intervention to address longstanding issues resource mismanagement, disappearance of local government, absence primary social services (primary health care, education, markets, roads etc) across the country resulting in insecurity, kidnappings, and banditry. Granting autonomy to local governments is the beginning of real solutions,” Suraju stated. HEDA also commends the Federal Government, through the Attorney-General of the Federation, for instituting the action to strengthen the autonomy of local governments as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. The suit sought to stop Governors from unilaterally dissolving democratically elected local government officials and establishing caretaker committees, actions that violate constitutional provisions. Suraju stressed that with local governments in control and administration of their funds, there should be better social activities and developments within local communities. He called on state governments to limit their supervision to ensuring accountability and transparency in the utilization of the federal allocations by local government official to prevent misappropriation, corruption, and governance setbacks. HEDA also urged citizens to take active roles in holding their local government councils accountable. With greater access to resources, it is crucial for communities to demand transparency and good governance, ensuring that funds are used judiciously for their intended purposes. This judgement represents a significant step towards fostering good governance and accountability at the grassroots level, and HEDA remains committed to supporting these efforts for the benefit of all Nigerians.

The Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been asked to adopt stiffer measures in the fight against corruption in order to uplift the country from her current poor global rating. At the end of the 36th Anti-Corruption Situation Room held in Abuja, participants at the one day forum organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre) said the latest score of anti-corruption in Nigeria is a meagre 25 percent which falls below global standards. The national forum was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) with the support of MacArthur Foundation. As part of the demand, participants said President Tinubu needs courage and political will to diminish favouritism, promote the rule of law, lead the moral compass against corruption and abuse of office in order to lift Nigeria to a higher level of integrity, dignity, transparency, and respect in the comity of nations. In welcoming the stakeholders, the Chairman, HEDA Resource Centre Mr Olanrewaju Suraju said the organisation will continue to lead the campaign against corruption to safe the country from dishonour and its citizens from misery and underdevelopment. He said in every country, corruption is known to be a threat to prosperity and the greatest good of the greatest number of people. Suraju said “In Nigeria, corruption remains a cankerworm that stunts socio-economic growth, creates poverty, fuels instability and leads to human misery.” He said efforts against corruption in Nigeria, including in the last one year of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are acknowledged, but a striking, radical break from the past is yet to be seen. In their goodwill messages delivered at the forum, the Director of MacArthur foundation, Dr. Kole Shettima charged stakeholders to sustain engagement in the fight against corruption for the good of all and provide room for vulnerable groups to lend their voices. The representatives of EFCC Chairman, the DG of National Orientation Agency, and the Inspector General of Police all promised improved collaboration with stakeholders in collective fight against public and private corruption. In his Chairman’s remarks, Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Kayode Oladele advocate the use of federal character principles to address the imbalances and grievances in the country. In his lead presentation, Professor Adele Jinadu warned that corruption destroys the fabric of a nation and stunts growth and prosperity. In the communique issued at the end of the one-day historic event, the participants said democratic institutions in Nigeria are not strong enough to withstand the whirlwind of manipulations and undue influences from politically exposed persons. The forum noted that corruption is not inseparable from electoral integrity, independent candidacy, voters’ empowerment to be able to recall wanting legislators while the enforcement of the right to information is given. The forum observed that “the judiciary remains weak and overburdened, characterised by delays and sometimes frivolous injunctions and adjournments in corruption trial.” It added that available cases of convictions by the anti-corruption institutions compared with petitions received and their investigations undermine effective output. For instance, in 2022, the EFCC received 73,948 petitions, 39,970 were investigated, 5,777 cases taken to court with only 2, 544 convictions. It noted the exploitation of sections of the constitution especially in instances where issues of fundamental rights are raised by defendants which often delay procedures and offend timely dispensation of justice. The communique also observed that manpower training and technology deficiencies in the judiciary and anti-corruption institutions which affect optimum performance. It called for the need to rethink the approach to anti-corruption prosecution in Nigeria which should embrace mandate protection and also reengineer the attitude

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), will host its 36th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) Conference on July 10, 2024. This crucial event aims to assess the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures implemented during President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office. According to a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the forum builds upon the outcomes of the 30th ACSR held last July to set agenda for the Government. The 36th ACSR will scrutinize stakeholders, including the Federal Government and Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs), on the utilization of the five policy briefs formulated during the previous conference. These briefs outline targeted strategies aimed at combating corruption across sectors such as the judiciary, presidency, Ministry of Justice, media, civil society organizations, and the National Assembly. Suraju highlighted significant restructuring within ACAs since the dissemination of these policy briefs in July 2023. These changes aim to bolster operational efficiency and fortify against external threats. However, broader implementation across other arms and stakeholders remains unimpressive, with persistent challenges in investigating and prosecuting high-profile corruption cases. The forum will feature a keynote address by Barrister Femi Falana SAN on “Assessing the Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Measures under the Tinubu Administration: Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions.” This session will provide a critical platform for stakeholders to share insights on progress made, challenges encountered, and future strategies to strengthen anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria. By reviewing the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, HEDA Resource Centre and UNODC aim to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country. The 36th ACSR forum underscores commitment to fostering these values through rigorous evaluation and strategic discussion.

HEDA Resource Centre is set to hold the July edition of its monthly advocacy series, “Chatting with HEDA,” on X-Space. The virtual program is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 3:00 PM WAT and will focus on the critical issue of food security in Nigeria. This month’s topic, “Nigeria’s Food Crisis: The Ticking Time Bomb for National Security,” will delve into the implications of food insecurity on national stability and security. The discussion aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in combating Nigeria’s food crisis. Ambassador Adeniyi Sola Bunmi, Founder and CEO of Gogreen Africa Initiative, will be the guest speaker. His extensive experience and expertise will offer valuable perspectives to attendees, enriching the conversation and inspiring meaningful discussions on the future of food security in Nigeria. The “Chatting with HEDA” X-Space series serves as a platform for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas on pressing societal issues. This month’s discussion is particularly relevant as it explores pathways to mitigate the looming food crisis and its potential impact on national security. The event is open to the public, and HEDA encourages active participation from attendees. This is an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and explore innovative solutions to enhance efforts in ensuring food security. HEDA looks forward to welcoming participants to this important event and continuing the conversation on Nigeria’s food crisis.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre recently paid a strategic courtesy visit to Bond FM 92.9, a leading radio station in Lagos, to foster collaboration in promoting good governance, anti-corruption initiatives, environmental justice, and human rights. HEDA delegation led by Mr. Sina Odugbemi, Program Consultant at HEDA, included Mr. Nurudeen Salako, Communication Officer, and Mrs. Barakah Danmole, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Compliance Officer. They were received by Mrs. Princess Adenike Adejoke, General Manager of Bond FM, and her management team. The visit aimed to strengthen media relations and explore opportunities for collaboration. HEDA showcased its key projects, including the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards, corruption case compendium, and investigative journalism training programs. The organization sought Bond FM’s support in amplifying its anti-corruption messages and toll-free line. Bond FM expressed its commitment to supporting HEDA’s initiatives, promising to air its anti-corruption jingles and toll-free line. The radio station also invited HEDA to participate in its current affairs program, “Oju se Tani” (Whose Responsibility Is It?), to educate the public on corruption, good governance, and environmental protection. The visit highlights HEDA’s efforts to engage media partners in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development in Nigeria. By fostering collaboration with Bond FM, HEDA aims to amplify its impact and drive positive change in the country.

HEDA Resource Centre Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, has called for a national consensus to protect Nigeria’s rainforests, warning that the country’s food system, culture, and security are under threat. Speaking on a radio program, Arigbabu emphasized the importance of rainforests, stating that they are not only crucial for Nigeria and Africa but also for the world. He lamented that Nigeria is losing approximately 4% of its forest land annually, equivalent to 350,000-400,000 hectares over the past 24 years. The environmentalist attributed the deforestation to a lack of appreciation and mindfulness, citing government corruption, impunity, and the involvement of foreign entities. He therefore urged the government to declare a state of emergency and provide alternatives to meet the survival needs of citizens, such as gas and other energy sources. He also stressed that protecting the rainforest is essential for preserving soil quality, maintaining the water cycle, regulating climate, and conserving genetic diversity. He emphasized that the government’s efforts to combat oil theft and COVID-19 should be matched by efforts to protect the forest and avert endangering Nigeria’s food systems. Arigbabu’s call to action includes a national resolve involving the government, states, local governments, communities, and religious bodies to protect the rainforest heritage. He emphasized that the role of man as a custodian and preserver of the environment is clearly stated in all faiths, and it is time for Nigeria to take responsibility for its rainforest heritage.