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S/Court’s FOI Judgement: A Long-Deserved Victory for Nigerians – HEDA

— Urges CSOs, Journalists, and Citizens to judiciously use the FOI Act Following the recent landmark judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, affirming the applicability of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011 to all tiers of government, including state institutions, the civil society and anti-corruption organization has commended the apex court on its ruling, described it as victory for the Nigerian people.   In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the group further maintained that the judgment is a long-deserved victory for the Nigerian people, reinforces the constitutional right of citizens to access public records and demand explanations from their leaders. “The judgment represents a decisive step toward deepening democratic governance and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach all Nigerians through openness and accountability,” Suraju stated. HEDA commends the Supreme Court for its bold and progressive interpretation of the law. The ruling dismantles the excuse by state institutions that the Freedom of Information Act does not apply to them due to the absence of state-enacted versions. This judgment signals the end of opacity in state-level governance, empowering every Nigerian to hold government agencies accountable. The anti-corruption organization further urges pressure groups, civil society actors, journalists, and citizens to judiciously use the FOI Act in demanding transparency in public administration. “This decision must not be celebrated in theory alone; it must spark renewed vigor in civic activism and institutional oversight, especially at the sub-national level.” This ruling validates the decade-long advocacy of civil society organizations championing open governance despite institutional resistance.” Suraju maintained.

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CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Sets Five-Point Agenda for New NNPCL Boss, Ojulari

HEDA Resource Centre has urged Engr. Bayo Ojulari, the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to prioritize transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms as he takes over the helms of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Ojulari, who officially assumed office on Friday following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been tasked with steering the NNPCL at a critical juncture for the nation’s economy. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society and anti-corruption organization noted Ojulari’s appointment while setting a five-point agenda for his leadership. Suraju emphasized the importance of transparency in contracting processes and financial disclosures, aligning operations with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). He also highlighted the need for bold anti-corruption measures, including independent audits and investigations into legacy issues such as crude oil theft, procurement fraud, operational inefficiencies, and environmental despoliation of oil corporations  “HEDA charged Engr. Ojulari on his appointment calling on him to champion transparency and reform in the oil and gas sector. This is a pivotal moment for the NNPCL to demonstrate commitment to good governance and national interest,” Suraju stated. The organization further urged the new GCEO to focus on rehabilitating Nigeria’s refineries, particularly the Port Harcourt Refinery, to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and enhance energy security. Addressing environmental accountability was also highlighted, with calls for justice and remediation for host communities affected by oil exploration. HEDA further warned against political interference in the NNPCL’s operations, stressing that undue influence could compromise progress and national interest. The group further called on President Tinubu, as the Petroleum Minister, to champion and sustain wholistic implementation of reforms that would reposition the corporation as a globally competitive and transparent entity. Ojulari’s appointment, which replaces Mele Kyari, has been met with mixed feelings from stakeholders. HEDA assured the public of its commitment to monitoring and engaging with stakeholders to ensure accountability and sustainable development in the sector.

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HEDA Sues Shell, FG, Others Over Oil Licence Transfer

The Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre has initiated legal proceedings against Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Renaissance African Energy Company Limited, and several key government agencies over the transfer of an oil exploration licence. The suit marked FHC/L/CS/651/2025, filed by Kunle Adegoke, SAN, on behalf of the plaintiff at the Federal High Court in Lagos, raises critical concerns regarding compliance with Nigeria’s legal and regulatory frameworks governing the petroleum industry. The lawsuit names seven defendants include the Attorney General and Minister for Justice of the Federation, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCLtd), Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. HEDA Resource Centre contends that the transfer and divestment of Shell’s oil exploration licence to Renaissance African Energy Company Limited may have contravened provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, and related regulations. Key issues raised by HEDA include concerns over the legality, transparency, and regulatory compliance of the transaction. The plaintiff asserts that the process failed to meet statutory provisions, including the requirement to conduct and disclose an Environmental Evaluation Study under the Upstream Petroleum Environmental Regulation, 2022. HEDA argues that allowing the transaction to proceed without adhering to these legal requirements could set a dangerous precedent and undermine national and public interest, particularly regarding environmental sustainability and the welfare of communities in the Niger Delta. HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, stressed the urgency of transparency and compliance in the oil licence transfer, stating, “This transaction threatens public interest and the environment if legal requirements, like the Environmental Evaluation Study, are ignored. The welfare of Niger Delta communities and sustainable management of petroleum resources must be prioritized to avoid setting a harmful precedent.” The legal application seeks several declaratory and injunctive reliefs, including an order restraining all parties from proceeding with, approving, or enforcing the transfer until full compliance with Nigeria’s legal framework is ensured. HEDA emphasizes that strict adherence to regulatory processes is crucial for transparency, accountability, and the sustainable management of the country’s petroleum resources. The Federal High Court is expected to hear the case in the coming weeks, with stakeholders in the petroleum industry and environmental advocacy groups closely monitoring its implications. This suit highlights the ongoing scrutiny of oil and gas transactions in Nigeria and reinforces the call for regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship in the sector.

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CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Urges Tinubu, NUPRC to Hold Shell Accountable for Environmental Clean-Up

Following the recent reported approval of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC) $2.4 billion divestment of its onshore assets in the Niger Delta to Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings, The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) strongly urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to ensure that Shell fulfills its obligations by addressing the environmental devastation it has caused in the Niger Delta before finalizing this divestment. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group emphasized that Shell must not be allowed to walk away from decades of environmental degradation, legal liabilities, and social injustices inflicted on host communities. According to Suraju, the reports indicate the divestment was concluded despite ongoing litigations, a court-ordered injunction barring the sale, and over N500 billion in environmental damages being demanded by affected communities. He condemned this development, stating, “This blatant disregard for judicial authority not only undermines Nigeria’s legal system but also sets a dangerous precedence where multinational corporations can evade responsibility with impunity.” Furthermore, HEDA criticized the approval of the transaction without proper consultation with impacted communities, describing it as yet another act of marginalization against local populations whose lives and livelihoods have been severely affected by oil pollution. “Shell has a long history of environmental infractions in the Niger Delta, leaving communities to suffer the consequences of oil spills, gas flaring, and ecosystem destruction. These damages have led to the loss of livelihoods, severe health risks, and the destruction of aquatic and agricultural resources. It is, therefore, unacceptable for Shell to divest its assets without first remediating the affected areas. The burden of cleanup and legal liabilities must not be transferred to the incoming Nigerian operators, who may lack the technical and financial capacity to address these longstanding issues. HEDA aligns with the concerns raised by host communities, environmental groups, and civil society organizations, all of whom have called for a halt to the sale until Shell takes full responsibility for its environmental footprint. “The Federal Government must prioritize justice over profit by ensuring that Shell and its partners commit to a comprehensive and independently monitored cleanup process before exiting the onshore oil sector. Additionally, we are calling on the NUPRC to uphold its regulatory integrity and resist any external pressure that undermines transparency and accountability in the sector. The Commission must act in the best interest of the Nigerian people rather than succumb to corporate or political interests.” The people of the Niger Delta deserve justice, clean water, and a restored environment. HEDA Resource Centre stands firmly with affected communities in demanding that Shell cleans up its mess before exiting. The organization pledges to explore all legal and advocacy channels to ensure that this demand is met.

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HEDA Commends EFCC’s Anti-Corruption Efforts on Ex-AGF Idris N109 Billion Fraud Case, Calls for Swift Judicial Action

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its unwavering commitment to fighting corruption. This commitment is evident in the ongoing trial of former Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Ahmed Idris, and others accused of diverting N109.5 billion in public funds. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the group commended the EFCC’s resolve in pursuing the case. He emphasized, “The massive scale of the alleged fraud highlights the urgent need for accountability in public office. We urge the judiciary to ensure justice is served promptly, as prolonged trials can embolden corruption and erode public trust in our legal system.” While acknowledging the importance of due process, the anti-corruption group stresses that justice should not be compromised by technicalities or unnecessary delays. Suraju added, “The judiciary plays a vital role in reinforcing Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight by handling cases like this with urgency and fairness. We demand the same level of commitment in handling the case of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.” HEDA further demand the prosecution of States Commissioners of Finance and Governor who were part of the Paris club refund corruption for the which the former Accountant General is standing trial. HEDA remains committed to advocating for transparency, accountability, and good governance. The civil society organization calls on all stakeholders in the justice system to work towards a judicial process that strengthens Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework, ensuring those found guilty face the full consequences of the law.

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CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Report Exposes Oil Licensing Flaws, Weak Regulations, Environmental Injustice

As part of its effort to ensure transparency and accountability in the Nigeria’s oil licensing bidding process, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has exposed serious flaws in Nigeria’s oil licensing process, highlighting regulatory failures, financial misconduct, and environmental injustice in the Niger Delta.  At the public presentation of its latest report in Ikeja, Lagos, HEDA revealed that several companies awarded marginal oil field licenses in the 2020/2021 bidding round lacked proper registration and failed to meet legal and financial requirements. The report, with the support from Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), titled “Marginal Fields’ Awards, Regulators’ Independence, and Environmental Injustice: Paradox of Beneficial Ownership and the Host Communities”, also raised concerns over the unchecked environmental damage caused by oil companies. Chairman, HEDA Resource Centre, Olanrewaju Suraju, condemned the awarding of contracts to unregistered companies, questioning the credibility of Nigeria’s oil sector regulations. “Out of approximately 38 companies, 18 are not even registered, and many have failed to file their annual returns. This is not about the supply of goods and services; we are talking about Nigeria’s main economic sector,” he said. He stressed that the failure to enforce due diligence had led to massive revenue losses for the country and called for collaboration between regulatory agencies such as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). Beyond financial misconduct, Suraju warned that environmental pollution in the Niger Delta remains a pressing concern. He urged civil society, the diplomatic community, and international organisations to intervene, particularly as oil companies attempt to divest from Nigeria without fulfilling their environmental responsibilities. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, commended HEDA’s efforts in promoting transparency and accountability, reaffirming NEITI’s commitment to ensuring responsible resource management. “Beneficial ownership transparency is not just about knowing who owns what. It is about protecting our nation’s resources from corruption, illicit financial flows, and mismanagement. Host communities must be protected, compensated, and empowered.” Book Reviewer and Lecturer, University of Lagos, Prof. Dayo Ayoade, criticised the licensing process, describing it as compromised by political influence and corruption. “The 2020/2021 marginal fields bidding round exhibited procedural abuse and corrupt practices, leading to significant financial losses. Some of the winning companies were owned or backed by politically exposed persons,” he said. Ayoade added that 11 out of the 35 surveyed companies were inactive under the CAC, while several lacked the tax clearance certificates required for eligibility under the Public Procurement Act 2007. He further warned that oil companies seeking to exit Nigeria must first be held accountable for their environmental damage. “Before these companies are allowed to exit, they must remediate the damage done, pay compensation, and fulfill their decommissioning responsibilities.” You can download the report here

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HEDA 38th ACSR: Stakeholders Urge President Tinubu to Intensify Anti-Corruption Efforts

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s fight against corruption convened at the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR), organized by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre). They called on President Bola Tinubu to adopt a holistic approach to combat corruption, addressing all sectors and managing public expectations. They also urged the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2022-2026 as a working document. The event, themed “Ethics, Integrity, Corruption Risk Assessments, and Anti-Corruption at National and Sub-National Levels in Nigeria: Sustaining the Fight Against Corruption,” aimed to engage stakeholders in responding to the country’s recent corruption perception rating, addressing pervasive issues of corruption and impunity, and fostering a culture of ethical respect, integrity, and accountability at all levels of governance. Participants emphasized that deterrence remains the best strategy in the fight against corruption. They called for sustained punishment for corrupt individuals and improvements in the quality of investigations and law enforcement. Despite the challenges, participants expressed hope and agreed to intensify efforts to eradicate corruption for Nigeria’s prosperity, social, economic, and political renaissance. Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, decried the state of corruption in Nigeria, describing it as a major obstacle to the country’s development. He urged Nigerians to support law enforcement agencies in holding corrupt persons accountable. He said, “The fight against corruption is for everyone. When you see people being investigated and we have shown you the evidence, don’t join them to carry placards and abuse EFCC, ICPC, and because you are contributing to the problems. All of us must fight this corruption together” Speaking as the keynote speaker on the theme, “Fostering Integrity and Accountability to Reclaim Our Future: Strategies for Combating Corruption and Impunity Across Board in Nigeria,” Prof. Shehu Abdullah identified strong political will and an effective legislative framework as key strategies to combat corruption and impunity in Nigeria. He also urged state actors to prioritize accountability, stating, “Earning the trust and confidence of the citizens through accountability is critical in combating corruption. Involving the people and ensuring the accessibility of civil society are essential.” Prof. Abdullah emphasized the importance of public officials declaring their assets and ensuring such declarations are verified. He called for the strengthening of regimes to prevent corruption and bring corrupt actors to justice. “Despite the importance of prevention, deterrence remains the best option,” he concluded. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) challenged anti-corruption agencies to go beyond prosecuting financial crimes in the courts and actively engage citizens in the fight against corruption. He stressed the importance of framing corruption in ways that resonate with ordinary Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots level. Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, Olanrewaju Suraju, highlighted the need for political will to enforce and implement anti-corruption laws effectively. He emphasized the critical role of civil society, the media, and the public in promoting transparency and pushing for accountability, especially in an environment where politicians might lack the will to pursue anti-corruption agendas. “The only problem we consistently contend with is the commitment and the will to implement the laws. If we can implement 50 percent of the laws in Nigeria, we will be far better than where we are.” He added. The conference included three key sessions: Leveraging Media, Technology, and Civil Society Partnerships to Combat Impunity and Promote Corruption Prevention; promoting Judicial Independence, Rule of Law, and Ethical Leadership for Integrity in Public and Private Sectors; and Enhancing Integrity and Accountability in the Public Sector to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Agencies and Combat Grand Corruption for Sustainable Governance. Participants concluded the conference with a renewed sense of hope and commitment to intensifying efforts to combat corruption, ensuring Nigeria’s leadership in the regional and international arena.

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CategoriesFood security and agriculture HEDA News

IWD 2025: HEDA Reaffirms Commitment to Smallholder Women Farmers

As the world marks International Women’s Day 2025, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended women farmers for their tireless efforts in ensuring food security. The organization reaffirms its commitment to advocating for policies and practices that promote the livelihood, health, and well-being of small-scale women farmers. According to Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary of HEDA, “Women farmers face numerous challenges, including indoor air pollution from traditional cooking fuels like charcoal and firewood, which pose significant health risks. To address this, we will intensify our advocacy for cleaner cooking technologies to promote good health and well-being among women smallholder farmers.” In addition to promoting cleaner cooking technologies, HEDA will prioritize empowering women farmers with critical climate and agrometeorological information. This will enable them to make informed decisions and minimize losses, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable food system.  “We will also collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen market linkages, creating better economic opportunities for women in agriculture. HEDA remains committed to amplifying the voices of women farmers, championing their rights, and pushing for policies that empower them to thrive,” added Arigbabu. By focusing on the specific needs and challenges of women smallholder farmers, HEDA aims to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable food system transformation.

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HEDA Drags National Assembly to Court over Constitutional Breach

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, challenging the National Assembly’s alleged breach of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The suit, FHC/L/CS/286/25 filed by Mrs. Fumilayo Falana, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), on behalf of HEDA Resource Centre, seeks the court’s interpretation of Sections 88(1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. HEDA Resource Centre is praying the court to declare that the National Assembly is not competent to direct or cause to be directed investigations into any matter without a resolution published in its journal or the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation. Additionally, the plaintiff is seeking a declaration that the powers of the National Assembly to conduct investigations are exercisable only for the purpose of enabling them to make laws, correct defects in existing laws, expose corruption, inefficiency, or waste in the execution or administration of laws. The civil society organisation is also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the National Assembly from summoning or inviting private persons and representatives of private corporate bodies to appear before them or any of their committees without following the appropriate procedure and purpose under the law.  According to HEDA Resource Centre, the National Assembly has been summoning private persons and representatives of private corporate bodies to appear before its committees without due process, which is a breach of the Constitution. The plaintiff argues that the National Assembly’s investigative powers are not at large and are subject to the provisions of the Constitution. This legal action underscores HEDA Resource Centre’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.

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