Tamara Thankgod, Author at HEDA Resource Centre

David Nweze Umahi, Minister of Works of Nigeria

HEDA Calls for Investigation into N60.1bn Ministry of Works Contracts Linked to Umahi Associate

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the award and payment of N60.1 billion in contracts by the Federal Ministry of Works to Reinforced Global Resources Limited, following findings published by BusinessDay Investigations. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA described the findings as concerning, particularly the reported political and business links between the company’s Managing Director, Joshua Okoro, and the Minister of Works, David Umahi. According to BusinessDay, Reinforced Global Resources received N60.08 billion in 27 payments from the Ministry of Works between 2024 and 2026, with the ministry accounting for the company’s entire recorded federal payment history. The investigation also found that the company began receiving federal contracts in April 2024, about eight months after Umahi assumed office as Minister of Works. The report further stated that Okoro publicly campaigned for Umahi during the 2023 elections and that Reinforced Global Resources had previously received contracts under Umahi’s administration as Governor of Ebonyi State. The civil society group also raised concerns over reported procurement irregularities, including advance payments on the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Road project and questions around the disclosure of relationships in public procurement. BusinessDay reported that about 42 percent of the project value was paid through advance payments released in quick succession. Suraju said the reported transactions warranted scrutiny and should not be reduced to a political controversy. “Where billions of naira in public funds are involved, Nigerians are entitled to know whether the procurement process was transparent, competitive and compliant with the law. He called on the relevant anti-corruption and law-enforcement agencies to investigate the contracts and determine whether any laws or financial regulations were breached. “We therefore call on the appropriate anti-corruption and law-enforcement agencies to urgently investigate the award, execution and payments associated with these contracts and establish whether any laws or financial regulations were breached.” Suraju also stressed that any investigation should be guided by due process and that accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation or status. “HEDA emphasises that an allegation is not a conviction. However, if an investigation establishes wrongdoing, anyone found culpable should face the appropriate legal consequences, irrespective of political party, office, influence or connections.” Suraju urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and other relevant institutions to examine the procurement and payment records relating to the contracts. The anti-corruption group also called for scrutiny of the relevant procurement documents, contract-award processes, payment records, project completion certificates, beneficial ownership information and conflict-of-interest disclosures. HEDA said a transparent and independent investigation would help protect public resources and strengthen accountability in Nigeria’s public procurement system.

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 By Tamara Thankgod 0

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice

HEDA News

Mambilla: HEDA Demands Investigation, Prosecution of Malami and Others Over ICC Tribunal Findings

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies to immediately commence investigations where the evidence establishes criminal offences, and to prosecute former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and others, following findings by an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal on the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. In its 616-page final award delivered in Paris on September 16, 2026, the tribunal rejected Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited’s claims against Nigeria and found that the settlement agreements involving the company were products of corruption and contrary to Nigerian public policy. The tribunal also found that Malami acted against Nigeria’s interests and was “motivated by other incentive(s)” in handling the settlement. Reacting to the report, HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, said the findings require urgent attention from Nigerian law-enforcement authorities, particularly given the organisation’s previous petitions concerning allegations against the former AGF. “The ICC findings raise serious questions about the conduct of a former Attorney-General in a matter involving the financial interests of Nigeria. We call on the EFCC and ICPC to obtain and examine the full award, investigate the evidence and prosecute anyone found to have violated Nigerian law,” Suraju said. HEDA recalled that it petitioned the ICPC in July 2023 over allegations of corruption and abuse of office against Malami. The ICPC acknowledged the petition and stated that necessary action was being taken. HEDA had raised concerns including the handling of seized assets and payments linked to asset recovery. According to HEDA, the ICC findings provide additional material that should be considered alongside the allegations contained in its earlier petition. The organisation therefore called on the ICPC to provide an update on the status of the investigation and urged the EFCC to examine any evidence within its mandate arising from the tribunal proceedings. “The ICC award is not a substitute for a criminal trial, but its findings should not be ignored. HEDA is demanding due process: investigation of the evidence, determination of whether offences were committed, and prosecution where the evidence supports criminal charges,” Suraju added. HEDA urged the relevant authorities to act promptly and ensure that the ICC findings and all relevant evidence are subjected to appropriate criminal investigation, stressing that public office must remain subject to accountability and the rule of law.

September 28, 2026September 28, 2026 By Tamara Thankgod 0

HEDA News

HEDA Commends Gov. Adeleke Over Dethronement of Apetu, Renews Call for Probe of Oluwo’s Alleged Criminal Record

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Osun State Government for the removal of Oba Gbenga Joseph Oloyede as the Apetu of Ipetumodu, describing the action as a decisive step toward restoring integrity and accountability within Nigeria’s traditional institutions, while renewing its call for an investigation into allegations surrounding the Oluwo of Iwo. In a statement issued by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA noted that the decision of Governor Ademola Adeleke to dethrone the monarch validates the organisation’s earlier call in September 2025 for decisive action following Oba Oloyede’s conviction for a $4.4 million fraud in the United States. The civil society organization described the government’s action as a reaffirmation of the principle that no individual, regardless of status, should occupy positions of authority while burdened with proven criminal records that undermine public trust and institutional credibility. “The removal of the Apetu of Ipetumodu is a commendable demonstration of political will and respect for the sanctity of traditional institutions. It sends a strong message that integrity must remain the cornerstone of leadership, whether in formal governance or traditional authority,” the statement read. The organisation, however, stressed that the development should not be treated as an isolated corrective measure but as a catalyst for systemic reform across traditional institutions in Nigeria. HEDA called on state governments, kingmakers, and relevant traditional councils to institutionalise thorough background checks and due diligence processes before appointing individuals to royal stools. According to HEDA, traditional rulers occupy sensitive cultural and moral positions as custodians of heritage and symbols of unity, and as such, must be individuals of unquestionable character and integrity. HEDA further urged the Osun State Government to sustain the same level of accountability by acting on its earlier demand for a probe into allegations concerning the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi. The organisation recalled that it in June 2024, had previously called on Governor Adeleke to constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate reports alleging past criminal convictions involving the monarch, noting that the matter remains unresolved despite its seriousness and continued public concern. “While we commend the decisive action taken in the case of Ipetumodu, we reiterate our call on the Osun State Government to act with equal urgency on the allegations concerning the Oluwo of Iwo. Consistency in upholding ethical standards is essential to maintaining public confidence in traditional leadership,” the organisation stated. HEDA emphasised that selective accountability could undermine reform efforts and weaken the broader objective of restoring honour, dignity, and credibility to traditional institutions across the country. The group concluded by urging all stakeholders to prioritise integrity, transparency, and the rule of law in the selection and oversight of traditional rulers, noting that the long-term stability and moral authority of these institutions depend on the character of those who occupy them.

May 4, 2026May 4, 2026 By Tamara Thankgod

Climate change

HEDA Awards ₦1 Million to Air Quality Team to Expand Climate Reporting

On April 15, 2026, HEDA Resource Centre awarded ₦1,000,000 to the Air Quality Team, winners of the Climate Creatives Bootcamp Pitch Fest (from the Climate Creatives Fellowship). The winning proposal focused on air pollution and public health.The initiative brought together young journalists, creatives, and innovators from across Africa to learn compelling ways of telling Africa climate stories.With this support, the team will produce a campaign using storytelling, digital media, and community engagement to strengthen media coverage of air quality issues and push for greater public attention and policy response.We are backing this team because their work matters.Kindly follow along as the campaign unfolds. Link to Photo: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TlMd_tCFQj64ch-tBo6GuSi3JfxgyKhZ?usp=sharing

April 17, 2026April 17, 2026 By Tamara Thankgod