The Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre have appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos which struck out its suit seeking to stop the construction of new base stations. The court on June 21 struck out Heda’s application seeking to bar the Federal Ministry of Environment, ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited and MTN Communications Plc from going ahead with the planned construction of new base stations near existing sites operated by other infrastructure operators. HEDA Resource Centre, in a statement by its Executive Director, Olanrewaju Suraju, said the verdict was very odd and inconsistent with the court’s earlier position that the plaintiff had a cause of action in the preliminary objection brought by MTN on the same facts. It believes that reaching conflicting conclusions on two similar applications makes an appeal against the decision of Justice Yelim Bogoro necessary. “We see this decision of the Federal High Court as very odd and inconsistent with the law. The reason is the fact that the same trial judge had admitted that there was a cause of action on the earlier application on the same set of facts brought by the fifth respondent, MTN.” Suraju said. He added, “The court, in another application by the fourth respondent (ATC), which came much later, also affirmed the fact that HEDA Resource Centre had a cause of action. It is strange to us that His Lordship suddenly shifted his earlier position by saying there was no cause of action when nothing material has changed.” According to HEDA, the judgment was suggestive that a cause of action would arise if permits are issued to the defendants (ATC and MTN) or they take steps toward building new base station sites. It said the ruling was also supportive of the Federal Ministry of Environment’s position that its action should not be the basis of the suit. HEDA maintained that the ministry’s role as a critical agency responsible for ensuring a safe, livable environment could not be downplayed. The group added: “It is interesting to read narratives in the media that we are acting as a proxy for IHS. We are an independent body and anyone can check our history of advocacy, including our history with MTN Nigeria dating back many years.” Justice Bogoro in March dismissed two applications by ATC and MTN challenging the competence of the suit filed by HEDA Resource Centre. Suraju affirmed the organisation’s locus to file the case.

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), led by HEDA Resource Centre’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, has urgently called on the Chief Executive of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, to address critical issues surrounding the divestment of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and other International Oil Companies (IOCs) from onshore to offshore assets in the Niger Delta. During an advocacy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the CSOs emphasized the need for a responsible divestment process that prioritizes environmental remediation, community compensation, and robust oversight. They highlighted ongoing and historical issues such as environmental degradation, human rights violations, and unresolved grievances in communities affected by oil exploration by Shell and other IOCs. In response to the CSOs’ demands, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe acknowledged their concerns and detailed efforts to enhance transparency and stakeholder confidence through new regulations aligned with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). He outlined proactive measures, including combating oil theft, developing advanced cargo monitoring systems, raising funds for gas development, and ongoing carbon monetization initiatives. Engr. Komolafe reaffirmed NUPRC’s commitment to PIA compliance, focusing on technical and financial capacity, legal status, host community trust, and remediation funds, with support from two leading international consultants. Following the meeting, the CSOs, including Social Action, Policy Alert, and HOMEF, held a press conference to outline their concerns and demands. They called for an immediate halt to the divestment, citing over 1,000 stakeholder signatures opposing the process in the absence of proper safeguards. They also applauded the National Assembly’s resolution for NUPRC to withhold consent for IOC divestment and urged the commission to respect the views of the people, particularly those in affected communities. In conclusion, the CSOs view the proposed divestment of Shell’s onshore operations in the Niger Delta as a chance to tackle the region’s longstanding environmental and social issues. However, they noted that a rushed or poorly planned process risks squandering this opportunity. They are deeply concerned about the potential consequences if Shell’s divestment lacks a comprehensive framework prioritizing environmental remediation, social justice, and community participation. The historical and ongoing environmental degradation, human rights violations, and unresolved grievances in the Niger Delta highlight this urgency.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for their steadfastness and resilience in securing justice in the case of Francis Atuche, the former Managing Director of Bank PHB Plc, convicted for a N25.7 billion fraud scheme. On Friday, 28th June 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a final verdict, upholding the conviction of Francis Atuche. In a unanimous decision, Justice M.A.A. Adumein ruled that Atuche failed to provide sufficient evidence to overturn his conviction, which was initially handed down by the trial court and subsequently affirmed by the Court of Appeal. This judgment brings to an end a protracted legal battle that spanned over 13 years. In a statement signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the anti-corruption group praised the EFCC’s legal team for their diligent prosecution of the case. “Despite the long road to justice, their consistency and resilience have ensured that justice was ultimately served. This victory is a significant milestone in the fight against corruption in Nigeria and serves as a deterrent to those who might consider engaging in financial crimes,” Suraju stated. HEDA emphasized the importance of the EFCC adopting the same rigorous approach to all its ongoing cases, adding that the commission’s consistent commitment and tenacity are essential in the pursuit of justice. Suraju further called on the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies to direct their attention to the Nigerian banking sector, urging them to investigate and prosecute instances of financial misappropriation and money laundering to the full extent of the law. “This will restore integrity to the sector and reinforce the message that corruption will not be tolerated,” he said. In conclusion, HEDA reiterated its support for the EFCC and its efforts in combating corruption. “We remain committed to working alongside all stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria,” Suraju affirmed.

In a bid to enhance the productivity and career growth of its staff, HEDA Resource Centre on Monday, 24th June, 2024 organized an in-house training session on Effective Stakeholder Management & Internal Communications for Social Impact Organisations. The training, facilitated by HEDA’s Communication Officer, Nurudeen Salako, was a follow-up to the MacArthur Foundation’s Communications training held in May for grantees’ CEOs and Communication Officers. The session exposed HEDA staff to essential principles of internal communication, stakeholder management, and balancing relationships between external and internal stakeholders. Participants also learned how to develop and use pitches and proposals for individual and organizational purposes. The training included practical exercises, where staff members developed organizational pitches, demonstrating their understanding of the concepts learned. This in-house training reaffirms HEDA’s commitment to upskilling its staff, enhancing productivity, and fostering career growth. By investing in its team, HEDA Resource Centre continues to strengthen its capacity to drive social impact and promote good governance.

OPEN LETTER Dear Decade of Gas Secretariat, Open Letter Commending the Secretariat and Calling for Detailed Action Plans on Decade of Gas We, the undersigned coalition of civil society organizations, commend the Federal Government and the Decade of Gas Secretariat (DoGAS) for the successful launch of the Decade of Gas website, a crucial platform outlining efforts against governments gas plans for 2021 to 2030, and disclosing the decarbonisation and gas supply strategies which will be implemented within 24 months by the execution committee. In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to advancing the Nigeria Gas Master Plan, we previously urged the then-incoming administration to develop and present a comprehensive and transparent strategy for achieving Nigeria’s gas plans. We are pleased to observe that the Decade of Gas Secretariat has responded positively by adopting some of the recommendations from our series of publications, convenings, and dialogues between July 2023 and May 2024. While we commend the progress made, we also recognize that some critical demands remain unaddressed, such as potential risks and alignment of the gas plans to Nigeria’s energy transition plan, among others. The coalition, therefore, calls on the Federal Government and the Decade of Gas Secretariat to: Publish a comprehensive action plan for the DoGas over the 24-month stated implementation period especially for the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Programme (NGFCP) and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative. In addition to the national agenda, assure impact and visibility on the subnational government agendas and align with the government’s energy transition plans including the Energy Transition Plan 2060, Long Term Vision 2050 and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Provide clarity on a financing pathway for necessary investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and petrochemicals infrastructure. Include methane abatement financing strategies in its decarbonization framework in line with Nigeria’s climate change commitments. Ensure the viability of the proposed twenty (20) priority gas projects to prevent potential of stranded assets considering shrinking global markets for fossil fuel energy sources. Strengthen methane abatement to keep gas exports competitive and retain access to major export markets considering upcoming stringent regulations on high-emitting cargoes by the EU, and the potential for similar actions by other markets. Develop and implement mitigation strategies for environmental, social and health risks associated with gas use and mainstream gender and youth-based approaches, integrating these into gas policies. Launch comprehensive public education campaigns focusing on gas safety and benefits, targeting all sectors, especially the non-power sector, such as residential, transport and commercial sectors. Outline improved strategies for engaging civil society organizations (CSOs), media, communities, women, youth and other stakeholders in policy monitoring and accountability. We remain committed to engaging and collaborating with the Decade of Gas Secretariat and the government to achieve these goals. By addressing these demands and incorporating diverse stakeholder perspectives, including those of marginalized communities and vulnerable groups, we can build a sustainable and equitable gas sector that benefits all Nigerians while recognizing the imperative of the energy transition. Signed by: Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) – Tengi George-Ikoli African Initiative for Transparency, Accountability and Responsible Leadership (AFRITAL) – Dr. Louis Ogbeifun Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) and Women in Extractives (WiE) – Faith Nwadishi PeaceFront for Development Initiative (Youth Forum on EITI) – Maife Lincoln BudgIT Foundation – Enebi Opaluwa Centre for Environment Human Rights and Development (CEHRD) – A. Cookey Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) – Felicia Dairo Policy Alert – Tijah Bolton Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) – Alexander Sewell Healthy Life Development Initiative (HELDi) – Dr. Mfon Utin Extractive 360 – Juliet Ukanwosu Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) – Fyneface Dumnamene Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI) – Olusegun Elemo HEDA Resource Centre – Olanrewaju Suraju  

In response to the urgent issue of child domestic labor in Nigeria, HEDA Resource Centre has partnered with various civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, and media outlets. This collaboration aims to address the severe risks child domestic work poses to a child’s development and well-being. HEDA, represented by her Monitoring and Evaluation Compliance Officer, Barakah Danmole, took part in the Talkam Against Child Labour program, organized by the Devatop Centre for Africa Development, in commemoration of the World Day Against Child Labour. The Talkam Project is dedicated to enhancing regulations and advocacy while striving to change community attitudes towards Child Domestic Workers (CDWs). The event held in Lagos, brought together a diverse audience, including government agency representatives, NGOs, media professionals, and community influencers. A keynote address explored the root causes of child domestic labor in Nigeria, followed by a panel discussion where experts shared insights on the challenges faced by CDWs and proposed actionable solutions. A highlight of the program was the launch of the Talkam App, available on both iOS and Android platforms. This innovative tool allows users to report cases of child abuse easily and anonymously. The program, with its slogan “If you see am, Talkam!” encourages the public to report suspected abuse via the app or the website. The program concluded with a powerful call to action for all stakeholders. Celebrities were urged to use their influence to champion public advocacy and awareness campaigns. NGOs were encouraged to enhance rescue, rehabilitation, and support services for child domestic workers. Government agencies committed to pursuing legal reforms and community outreach efforts, while community leaders and religious institutions were called upon to provide support programs and educational initiatives about the rights and needs of CDWs.Educational institutions pledged to offer scholarships, counseling, and implement anti-discrimination policies, and the media was tasked with leveraging investigative journalism and strategic partnerships to raise awareness and drive change. By uniting these diverse voices and resources, the program aims to create a robust and comprehensive response system to protect and support Child Domestic Workers across Nigeria. Together, we can foster a safer, more equitable environment for every child.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a prominent anti-corruption and human rights organization, has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to probe allegations that the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, is an ex-convict and therefore unfit for his traditional and cultural leadership position. In a letter signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the organization expressed serious concerns over reports by international and local newspapers on the previous criminal records of the King of an ancient and revered Kingdom like Iwo. The petition referenced a May 19, 2024 article from “The Mail,” featuring a photograph of the Oba Rasheed Akanbi with the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, under the headline: “Dodgy Royal: Nigerian King who Harry called his ‘in-law’ is ‘CONMAN jailed and deported after trying to cash stolen £247K cheque’. The article also noted, “The Funky King (Oluwo) was jailed 15 months in 1998.” Furthermore, “The SUN” newspaper reported that Oba Akanbi, described as a “convicted fraudster,” was arrested in Boston in 1998 for attempting to cash a stolen cheque worth £247,000 from Boeing. The report alleged that Akanbi, using the alias Joseph Pigott, was jailed for 15 months and deported to Nigeria in April 1999. He allegedly attempted to re-enter the US in 2011, leading to another deportation. HEDA underscored the essential role of traditional rulers as custodians of their people’s heritage and symbols of authority and respect. The civil society organisation emphasized that traditional rulers must possess impeccable character and be above reproach, despite the 1999 Nigerian Constitution excluding them from formal governance roles. Their influence and importance as a fourth tier of government remain significant. Given the gravity of these allegations, HEDA has urged Governor Adeleke to take swift action by establishing a special panel of inquiry to investigate the claims against the Oluwo and implement appropriate legal measures as necessary. The organization highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s traditional institutions. HEDA’s letter concluded with a call for immediate and decisive action from Governor Adeleke to strengthen and protect the sanctity of traditional institutions in Nigeria.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called for an immediate suspension and comprehensive investigation into allegations of certificate forgery against Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Science and Technology. In separate petitions addressed to President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, HEDA urged immediate action to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s public offices and institutions. The petitions, signed by HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju, were prompted by a June 6, 2024 report from an online news outlet, Peoples’ Gazette, which claimed that Mr. Nnaji submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate during his Senate confirmation process. The report also highlighted potential discrepancies in his B.Sc degree certificate and noted that Mr. Nnaji listed secondary education as his highest qualification on his 2023 Enugu State governorship election form. In the letter to President Tinubu, the civil society organisation expressed grave concerns over the Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS), which allegedly discovered these discrepancies but failed to act or report to the senate or president. This negligence, the petition argued, compromises the SSS’s duty and mirrors past incidents involving other prominent figures accused of similar forgeries. HEDA cited Sections 465 and 467 of the Criminal Code Act, which define forgery and its punishment, respectively. The anti-corruption group urged President Tinubu to refer the allegations to the Inspector General of Police for a diligent investigation and subsequent prosecution. It also called for the immediate suspension of Mr. Nnaji to maintain accountability and transparency in governance. Similarly, in the petition to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, HEDA called on the National Assembly to launch a thorough investigation into the forgery allegations. Highlighting the importance of rigorous verification processes, HEDA stressed that the integrity of processes must be upheld. The petition also referenced past cases of certificate forgeries involving high-profile figures like former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun and former Aviation Minister Senator Stella Oduah. HEDA etc and criticized the SSS for its repeated failure to report such forgeries, thereby undermining the Senate’s constitutional duties and the nation’s integrity. HEDA recommended involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a secondary clearance process for all future nominees to prevent further certificate scandals. “We strongly urge the National Assembly to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. It is crucial that the SSS’s role and the potential lapses or compromises in the clearance process are scrutinized and rectified,” the petition stated. Both petitions underscored HEDA’s unwavering commitment to a Nigeria free from corrupt practices. The civil society group urged swift action from both the President and the National Assembly to ensure that public office holders maintain the highest standards of integrity.