In its latest 9th edition of compendium, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre has revealed the vast scale of corruption in Nigeria, documenting 100 high-profile cases involving public officials and private individuals. According to the compendium, allegedly stolen amounts are reported in multiple currencies: N1.387 trillion, $53.84 billion, and £1 million. The report, unveiled in December, commemorating the international anti-corruption day by the civil society organisation in Lagos, referenced pending court cases involving former governors, ministers, senators, and other public officials accused of fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, and abuse of office. Notable high-profile cases in the compendium include one involving former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano, who is accused of money laundering involving N4 billion in public fund. Former Accountant-General of the Federation Ahmed Idris is facing trial over alleged N109 billion fraud. In contrast, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello faces N110 billion in fraud charges and property forfeiture worth N80.2 billion. Former Minister of Power and Steel Olu Agunloye is also undergoing prosecution for a $6 billion scheme tied to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Plant, while former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke faces allegations of $20 billion in fraud and property forfeiture. Other notable cases include Ali Bello and Daudu Sulaiman’s N10 billion fraud case and Fatuyi Yemi Phillips’ N43.5 billion misappropriation allegations. Prominent former governors also appear in the compendium. Former Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, who is a serving senator, also faces N7.6 billion money laundering allegations. Former Taraba Darius Ishaku and former Abia State State Governor Theodore Orji are linked to N27 billion and N60.85 billion fraud cases, respectively, while former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam faces allegations involving N3.1 billion money laundering. The compendium also listed cases involving corporate and agency officials. Former AMCON Managing Director Ahmed Kuru faces N33.8 billion in money laundering charges, while former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele is also facing corruption charges in different courts in Lagos and Abuja. According to the report, fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement dominate high-profile financial misconduct, often accompanied by abuse of office. It added that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting 76 per cent of these cases, while the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) handles 16 per cent. Other agencies involved include the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Analysis shows former governors account for 16 per cent of defendants, former ministers and advisers 7 per cent, senators 1 per cent, and other public officials 76 per cent. Most cases (58 per cent) are ongoing; 11 per cent have resulted in sentencing, and 9 per cent involve property seizures. Fraud accounts for 54 per cent of charges, money laundering 20 per cent, and misappropriation or mismanagement 8 per cent. The report said corruption increases the cost of doing business, discourages investment, and undermines economic and political decisions, contributing to underdevelopment, insurgency, forced migration, and widespread poverty. HEDA researchers compiled the report by reviewing all available sources on 100 high-profile cases, the data with current information, and analysing it using IBM SPSS Version 23 to produce tables, histograms, and visualisations.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has berated the Presidency, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Senate over their gross dereliction of duty in the appointment and confirmation of Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the now-resigned Minister of Science and Technology, who forged his Bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates, an incident that has once again exposed deep-rooted lapses in Nigeria’s governance and vetting processes. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA condemned what it described as a shameful institutional failure that allowed a minister with forged credentials to pass through multiple levels of scrutiny from the DSS security vetting to the Senate confirmation and eventual presidential appointment despite credible warnings and petitions raised by the anti-corruption group. “It is disheartening that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the DSS all ignored clear red flags and public outcry over Mr. Nnaji’s forged Bachelor’s degree and NYSC certificate. This incident not only erodes public trust in government institutions but also reinforces the perception that corruption and impunity remain the operating principles within Nigeria’s political leadership.” Suraju said. HEDA recalled that in June 2024, it had earlier petitioned President Tinubu and the Senate, calling for an immediate investigation into the allegations of forgery against Mr. Nnaji and for his suspension pending the outcome. However, rather than act decisively, the Presidency maintained silence while the Senate ignored the petition and failed to act on it despite mounting evidence, a move HEDA described as “a betrayal of public trust.” The civil society group further indicted the Department of State Services (DSS) for failing to carry out a proper verification or suppressed overwhelming evidence during its security screening, alleging that such dereliction enabled several unqualified individuals with questionable records to attain high public offices. “This is not the first time the DSS has cleared ministerial nominees with forged or questionable credentials. From the cases of Kemi Adeosun to Stella Oduah, and now Geoffrey Nnaji, the pattern of negligence has become too consistent to ignore. The agency has turned what should be a rigorous national security process into a mere formality or extortion opportunity, and Nigerians deserve answers.” Suraju added. While acknowledging Mr. Nnaji’s resignation as a necessary but belated action, HEDA insisted that accountability must go beyond resignation, calling for his immediate prosecution and the sanctioning of all officials involved in clearing and appointing him. “Resignation does not erase the crime of forgery. The law must take its course, and those who enabled this fraud within the Presidency, DSS, and the Senate must also be held accountable,” Suraju maintained. The group urged President Tinubu to demonstrate true commitment to integrity in governance by directing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the forgery case, as well as the institutional lapses that made it possible, to serve as a deterrent to future misconduct. “Until those in authority begin to take responsibility for their failures, Nigeria will continue to recycle corruption under different faces,” Suraju warned. “HEDA will continue to stand as a moral compass for accountability and will not relent in demanding that those entrusted with power act with integrity and transparency.” He added. The Nigerian media is commended for its tenacity, in the face of harassment, intimidation, and persecution in unraveling corruption, abuse of office, and holding public officers accountable to their oath of office. The PremiumTimes is particularly recognized for its investigative diligence and consistency in this matter, and for its effective deployment of the Freedom of Information Act for public accountability

In a bid to strengthen the capacity of agricultural stakeholders to adapt to climate variability and build resilience within food systems in Nigeria, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) organized a virtual training on seasonal climate forecasts. About 300 participants from across Nigeria and several African countries actively engaged in the training. The training targeted farmers, extension agents, researchers, agribusiness actors, and public sector officials, equipping them with the skills to interpret and apply climate data for improved agricultural planning and risk management. Speaking on the significance of the initiative, the Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, emphasized the urgent need to empower frontline actors in agriculture with actionable climate intelligence. “As climate change continues to pose a serious threat to food security and livelihoods in Nigeria, it is imperative that those who produce our food understand how to interpret and act on climate forecasts,” Arigbabu stated. “This training was not just about data; it was about survival, resilience, and smarter decisions. We believe that democratizing access to climate information will lead to better outcomes in agricultural productivity, disaster preparedness, and community well-being,” he added. The training featured expert contributions from key national agencies, including the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), which provided practical sessions on climate patterns, flood risk assessment, and their implications for agriculture and public health. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) were also on hand to enlighten participants on efforts of the government to support climate-sensitive agriculture. Participants were divided into three thematic tracks: Cereals/Grains/Legumes, Livestock, and Tubers/Vegetables. Each track was led by specialists from major research institutions such as the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), and an aquaculture expert, Mr. Toba Tiamiyu, who provided insights into adapting fish farming to climate variability. The session also featured sector-specific forecast presentations, group advisory development, and interactive question-and-answer engagements. Stakeholders exchanged experiences and shared best practices on how to integrate climate forecasts into their daily operations and long-term planning. HEDA Resource Centre reaffirms its commitment to supporting climate-resilient agriculture and calls on both government and private sector actors to prioritize the dissemination and use of climate information in agricultural policies and programs.

Following the devastating floods in Mokwa, HEDA Resource Centre, alongside partners, visited affected communities, donated essential relief materials, and called for long-term, sustainable interventions to rebuild lives and infrastructure. A recent on-ground visit by HEDA Resource Centre to communities in Mokwa, Niger State, revealed the shocking extent of destruction caused by the floodwaters. Roads, homes, and public infrastructure were left in ruins, underscoring the urgent need for resilient infrastructure planning. The team documented the devastation and captured critical visual evidence, which has been shared with relevant authorities. This data will support advocacy for long-term climate adaptation strategies and sustainable solutions capable of withstanding future disasters. In a show of empathy and partnership, HEDA extended a formal condolence letter to Governor Umaru Bago, conveying heartfelt solidarity with the government and people of Niger State. The letter included insights from our field visit and reaffirmed HEDA’s commitment to ongoing support. As the communities begin to rebuild, we urge the government and stakeholders to prioritize recovery efforts and integrate sustainable development initiatives that build long-term resilience. In collaboration with partners including Climate and Sustainable Development Network; and Natural Justice — the HEDA team visited Tiffin Maza in the Anguwan Hausawa area. There, we engaged directly with flood victims, listened to their heart-wrenching stories, and assessed their most pressing needs. One resident said, “We lost everything—our homes, our crops, our livelihoods. We need help to rebuild.” These voices guide our advocacy and inspire our intervention. As part of the African Activists for Climate Justice Consortium, HEDA and its partners delivered essential relief materials to vulnerable families affected by the floods. The donations included: These items are more than material support they are symbols of hope, resilience, and the collective spirit of humanity. HEDA remains steadfast in its mission to support affected communities and advocate for climate justice.