A coalition of Civil Society Organizations operating in the Niger-Delta region is calling on President Bola Tinubu to halt any further plans for International Oil Companies (IOCs) to divest operations from the region until their demands are met. The group made this known in Port Harcourt during a protest march to the Government House, displaying placards and registering their displeasure with the IOCs’ actions in the region. Recall that on Monday, December 16, 2024, HEDA Resource Centre, along with other CSOs, including Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF); Social Action Nigeria; Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre; Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA); League of Queens International Empowerment; Policy Alert; We the People; Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria; Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ); Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED); Accountability Lab; International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC); Civil Rights Council; Keen and Care Initiative, called on President Bola Tinubu to sustain the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) rejection of Shell’s request to sell its remaining shares in the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to the Renaissance consortium. Others CSOs include: Healthy Life Development initiative; Gbolekekro Women Empowerment And Development Organization (GWEDO); Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC); Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD); Peace Point Development Foundation; Lekeh Development Foundation; Society for Women and Youths Affairs (SWAYA); Lokiaka Community Development Centre; People’s Advancement Centre; Ogoni Solidarity Forum; Africa Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL). Other international oil corporations, such as TotalEnergies, are also attempting to sell their stakes in SPDC and other Nigerian onshore oil assets. The group noted that any approval of Shell’s and Total’s requests would weaken regulatory independence, ignore the interests of the Niger Delta communities, jeopardize the environmental and social well-being of the region for generations to come, and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.

By Nurudeen Salako AS we commemorate International Anti-Corruption Day 2024, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect: What does your 2024 (anti) corruption diary look like? Is it filled with stories of accountability, where justice was served, or is it overshadowed by unchecked impunity, where corruption scandals quietly disappeared? For us at HEDA Resource Centre, a leading anti-corruption civil society organization with 23 years of unwavering impact, this question is not just a thought exercise. Each year, we compile our Annual Compendium of 100 High-Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria, a stark reminder of the realities we face. This year, as we unveil the 8th Edition of our compendium on this significant day, we hold up a mirror to our society’s ongoing struggle —or reluctance—to confront corruption. A Year of Paradoxes 2024 has been a year defined by contradictions. On one hand, we saw courageous investigative journalists and whistleblowers exposing corruption in the highest places. Take, for example, the case of Wale Adedayo, the embattled Ijebu East Local Government Chairman, who accused Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun of withholding local government funds. Or consider Fisayo Soyombo’s revealing exposé on systemic corruption within the Nigeria Customs Service at the borders. The media was awash with reports of embezzlement, procurement fraud, and abuse of power. The case involving the former Governor of Kogi State and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was just one of many that caught public attention. Across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), stories of misappropriated funds and betrayal of public trust continued to surface, undermining Nigeria’s progress and development. These cases, and many others, are documented in detail in HEDA’s compendium. Yet, despite these revelations, justice often feels out of reach. Prosecutions drag on indefinitely, convictions are rare, and cases seem to disappear into the labyrinth of adjournments and delays. Public trust in the judiciary continues to erode. How do we ensure that our 2024 diary doesn’t close with yet another chapter of impunity? HEDA Compendium: More Than Just Documentation At HEDA, we know that the fight against corruption requires more than just recording these cases. It demands relentless advocacy, institutional reform, and active public participation. Our compendium isn’t merely a catalogue of wrongdoing; it’s a call to action. Each case represents a chance for the judiciary to affirm its commitment to integrity and for society to demand accountability. When justice is served, it sets a powerful precedent. When it isn’t, it sets a dangerous norm. As we unveil the 8th Edition of our compendium, available on HEDA’s website, we hope it serves as a rallying cry for all Nigerians. These cases must not be left to gather dust on courtroom shelves. Civil society groups, the media, and citizens must unite to ensure that investigations lead to convictions and that stolen resources are recovered and returned for the public good. A Future We Can Rewrite As we look forward to 2025, the power to change this narrative lies within us. Imagine a diary where corruption cases conclude with swift and fair justice. Imagine a society where whistleblowers are protected, not punished or silenced—as happened to Wale Adedayo in his clash with Governor Dapo Abiodun. Picture public officials thinking twice before betraying the trust placed in them. This vision isn’t utopian. It is achievable if we all commit to playing our part. At HEDA Resource Centre, we remain steadfast in our mission to hold power to account and ensure that the fight against corruption yields tangible results. Our compendium is more than a book of cases, it’s a testament that corruption can be challenged and that justice, though delayed, should never be denied. As you reflect on your 2024 diary, ask yourself: What did I do to fight corruption this year? More importantly, what will I do differently in 2025? Let’s ensure that next year’s diary is one we can look back on with pride and a diary filled with accountability, integrity, and justice. Nurudeen Salako is a Communication Officer at HEDA Resource Centre and a Development Advocate. He can be reached at nurudeensalako96@gmail.com.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a prominent anti-corruption organization in Nigeria, has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to prosecute two senior judges recently indicted for falsifying their ages. In a petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the group urged the ICPC to take decisive legal action against Justice T.E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, Chief Judge of Imo State, and Kadi Babagana, Grand Kadi of Yobe State Sharia Court. The call follows the National Judicial Council’s (NJC) recommendation for their compulsory retirement at its meeting on November 13-14, 2024. According to the NJC, Justice Chikeka altered his birth year from 1956 to 1958, while Kadi Babagana falsified his birth year from 1952 to 1959. Both were ordered to refund all salaries and allowances received beyond their lawful retirement dates. While acknowledging the NJC’s disciplinary action, HEDA emphasized that this step alone is insufficient. “This offense is egregious and violates the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000. We, therefore, demand that the Commission diligently prosecute these judges who have been thoroughly investigated and indicted,” Suraju stated. The civil society organization stressed that age falsification by senior judicial officers not only contravenes ethical and legal standards but also erodes public confidence in the judiciary. “This is about restoring integrity and accountability in public institutions,” Suraju added. HEDA reiterated its commitment to supporting the ICPC in its mission to combat corruption and promote transparency. “We look forward to swift action from the Commission,” the petition concluded. Meanwhile, this development underscores HEDA’s ongoing efforts to ensure public accountability in Nigeria’s institutions, particularly within the judiciary.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) in collaboration with the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), set to organize a Train-the-Trainer Workshop on the Interpretation and Application of Climate Prediction and Flood Forecasting Tools for States and NGOs. This initiative, part of the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project, is in partnership with Oxfam and Community Action for Food Security (CAFS). The regional workshop, scheduled to take place in Abuja, Akwa-Ibom, Kano, Adamawa and Oyo from December 18 to December 27, 2024, aims to address the persistent challenges associated with the dissemination and understanding of climate-related information in Nigeria. According to HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, despite the timely and reliable Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) and flood forecasts provided by NiMet and NIHSA, there is still a significant gap exists in the interpretation and practical use of this information at the grassroots level. “Key stakeholders, such as environmental and agricultural development officers, often face difficulties translating these forecasts into actionable plans. This gap increases vulnerabilities in critical areas like agriculture, food security, and disaster preparedness, especially as climate shocks like floods and droughts continue to have severe consequences.” He added. Stressing the importance of the training, Arigbabu further noted that the workshop aims to bridge this gap by enhancing the technical capacity of environmental and agricultural officers. Participants will learn advanced skills to accurately interpret SCP and flood forecasts and apply this knowledge to guide communities in adopting climate-resilient practices. This capacity-building effort will support decision-making within state ministries of agriculture, environment, and planning, ultimately improving climate-responsive planning and interventions. The workshop will also address barriers that hinder effective communication of climate forecasts. These barriers include language challenges, technical complexity, and inadequate outreach strategies. By overcoming these obstacles, the project will ensure that climate data reaches and benefits those who need it most, enhancing the resilience of Nigerian communities to climate risks. This workshop strengthens collaboration between NiMet, NIHSA, HEDA, and regional stakeholders, aiming to improve access to climate information for frontline communities. The initiative further reflects HEDA’s commitment to promoting sustainable development, environmental justice, and community resilience in the face of climate challenges.

The leading civil society organisation in Nigeria, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to extend its corruption prosecutions to the leadership of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). This follows the recent filing of charges against contractors allegedly involved in unexecuted projects paid for by TETFund. In a petition addressed to ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, and signed by HEDA Chairman Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, the anti-corruption organization commended the Commission for filing charges against Paul Chukwuma and Fides Et Ratio Academy Ltd on September 10, 2024, as well as Adedeji Ladipo and Pole Global Marketing Limited on September 20, 2024. These charges stemmed from allegations of corruption and money laundering tied to unexecuted contracts. However, HEDA expressed concern that the leadership of TETFund, which authorized these contracts in violation of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) regulations, has yet to be held accountable. The civil society organization argued that the alleged offenses of the contractors were made possible through actions initiated by the hierarchy of TETFund, making them co-conspirators in the corruption scheme. “Paying for unexecuted contracts in violation of extant laws not only robs Nigeria but also deprives Nigerians of essential infrastructure,” the petition stated. HEDA urged the ICPC to demonstrate impartiality and ensure that both public officials and private institutions involved in corrupt practices are prosecuted diligently and without bias. The petition further emphasized that prosecuting all parties involved is necessary to reinforce public trust in anti-corruption efforts and to serve as a deterrent to others. HEDA’s demand underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling corruption, where accountability extends beyond contractors to include the government officials who facilitate such malpractices. HEDA’s call for action comes after its initial petition dated April 29, 2024, and a follow-up request for information on November 4, 2024, seeking updates on the investigation. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice in public institutions.

In a bid to tackle corruption and demand accountability, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to collaborate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in investigating and prosecuting Robert and Mimie Oshodin for their alleged involvement in the diversion of public funds and money laundering connected to former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd). In a petition signed by HEDA and signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the anti-corruption organization alleged that the Oshodins acted as conduits for the illicit transfer of millions of naira and dollars under the guise of “consulting services” and “special operations” shortly after Dasuki’s appointment as NSA. According to a recent investigative report published by PremiumTimes, an online news platform, the couple received N270 million and several other payments, including a $12 million transfer in 2014 for a purported “counter-radicalization campaign.” The funds were allegedly laundered through real estate acquisitions in the United States. The report revealed that the Oshodins used their California-based firm, 1812 Corporation, to purchase high-value properties, including a $9.5 million historic mansion in Los Angeles and the Dorothy Chandler Estate near Washington, D.C., acquired just days apart. Additional properties, totaling nearly $24 million, were purchased between 2012 and 2015 in locations such as Los Angeles, McLean, and Virginia. HEDA expressed concern over the scale of the illicit financial flows, noting that Nigeria loses approximately $18 billion annually to such activities, according to the Attorney General of the Federation. The organization called for the EFCC and FBI to collaborate in tracing and repatriating the stolen assets while ensuring the Oshodins’ prosecution is speedily concluded and illicit assets forfeited. “This case underscores the urgent need for global partnerships to address financial crimes that undermine Nigeria’s development,” Suraju stated in the petition. “We demand that the EFCC and FBI take swift action to recover these assets and hold the perpetrators accountable.” HEDA reaffirmed its support for the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption and emphasized the importance of decisive action in high-profile cases to restore public trust and deter future offenses.

The coalition of Civil Society Organizations, community leaders, and concerned citizens from across Nigeria are calling on President Bola Tinubu to sustain the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) rejection of Shell’s request to sell its remaining shares in the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to the Renaissance consortium. Other international oil corporations, such as TotalEnergies, are also attempting to sell their stakes in SPDC and other Nigerian onshore oil assets. We state categorically that any approval of Shell’s and Total’s requests would weaken regulatory independence, ignore the interests of the Niger Delta communities, jeopardize the environmental and social well-being of the region for generations to come, and undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty. Collectively signed by Nnimmo Bassey  of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF); Dr. Isaac ‘Asume’ Osuoka – Social Action Nigeria; Olanrewaju Suraju – HEDA Resource Centre; Okon – Kebetkache Women Development and Resource Centre; Akinbode Oluwafemi- Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA); Idoreyin Bassey- League of Queens International Empowerment; Tijah Bolton-Akpan – Policy Alert; Ken Henshaw – We the People; Rita Uwaka – Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria; David Ugolor – Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ); Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi – Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) Odey Friday – Accountability Lab; International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC); Arochukwu Ogbonna – Civil Rights Council and Josesphine Alabi – Keen and Care Initiative. Others include: Mfon Utin – Healthy Life Development initiative; Comraade Cynthia Buluebiere Bright – Gbolekekro Women Empowerment And Development Organization (GWEDO); Auwal Musa Rafsanjani – Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC); Cookey Tammy Ph.D – Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD); Umo Isua-Ikoh – Peace Point Development Foundation; Friday Nbani – Lekeh Development Foundation; Amanie Stella  – Society for Women and Youths Affairs (SWAYA); Martha Agbani, Lokiaka Community Development Centre; Akpobari Celestine – People’s Advancement Centre; Ogoni Solidarity Forum; Dr Chido Onumah- Africa Centre for Media and Information Literacy ( AFRICMIL). To Download Full Report, Click HERE

Stakeholders at the 37th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) in Uyo, organized by the HEDA Resource Centre, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission, have emphasized the critical need for judicial reforms to counter systemic corruption and political interference, which have severely undermined public trust in Nigeria’s judicial system. Key recommendations focused on enforcing accountability, promoting ethical standards, and ensuring fair, unbiased rulings to safeguard democracy and public confidence. The conference brought together key anti-corruption bodies and stakeholders from across the country. The event, themed “Addressing Corruption in the Judiciary and Providing Effective Strategies for Transparency and Accountability,” provided a platform for participants to dissect challenges facing Nigeria’s judiciary, proposing actionable steps to mitigate corruption and strengthen the rule of law. The event follows the release of the 2024 Corruption Survey Report by the UNODC and Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, which estimated that $1.23 billion (N721 billion) in bribes was paid to public officials in 2023, with a significant portion reportedly linked to the judiciary. HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju emphasized the urgency of tackling judicial corruption, noting the impact of inconsistent judgments, judicial manipulation, and other integrity issues on public trust. Suraju called on all stakeholders, including academics, civil society, and judiciary members, to develop evidence-based recommendations for Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to address these issues head-on. Justice Kekere-Ekun was ably represented at the event by Justice Adamu Jauro. Other notable figures in attendance included Justice Ejembi Eko (JSC Rtd.), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, represented by Barr. Dennis Idoko, as well as representatives from Nigeria’s legal space, anti-corruption bodies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and the media. The event also included a virtual address by Prof. Itse Sagay, Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-Corruption, who underscored the judiciary’s historical importance and the urgent need for reforms to restore its foundational role in upholding state stability. Key presentations highlighted issues such as judicial bribery, manipulation by political actors, and the need for oversight and sanctions to uphold ethical standards. Retired Justice Ejembi Eko addressed the critical role of ethics and professionalism, stating that adherence to a code of conduct is the judiciary’s strongest defense against misconduct. Barrister Muhyi Magaji, Chairman of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission, called attention to political interference in judicial appointments, which he described as contributing to “judicial capture,” where judges feel obliged to serve political interests over justice. Magaji advocated for judicial reforms, including the adoption of technology to enhance transparency, and proposed convening a National Judicial Reform Conference to address systemic issues. Rotimi Oyedepo, Special Adviser to the President on Financial Crimes, also highlighted the need to tackle both institutional and cultural factors enabling judicial corruption. He called for robust penalties against bribery, biased rulings, and procedural delays that disrupt justice. The two-day conference is expected to yield a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at strengthening judicial accountability, minimizing political influence, and ultimately restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a prominent anti-corruption and human rights advocacy organization, has submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Provost of the Federal College of Education Technical, Asaba, Dr. (Mrs.) Josephine Emebiziogo Anene-Okeakwa. This request seeks critical documents and information regarding the college’s recent infrastructure projects and purchases, aiming to uphold accountability and transparency in public spendings. HEDA’s FOI request pertains to several projects at the institution, including the construction of a staff canteen, a new clinic, a new ICT building, a guest house, and the acquisition of project monitoring and supervision vehicles. The anti-corruption organization is calling for detailed documentation, including Copies of advertisements soliciting expressions of interest for consultancy and construction services; Contract award letters for each project; Final completion certificates, and Interim Payment Certificates, along with architects’ reports and quantity surveyors’ valuations. According to HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, this request is alignment with the organization’s mandate to promote public accountability and transparency in public institutions in line with laid down rules and regulations. Under the Freedom Of Information Act 2011, HEDA anticipates a response within seven days, allowing citizens and stakeholders to gain insight into the financial and operational transparency of these projects. HEDA has expressed its commitment to pursuing this information to reinforce Nigeria’s accountability standards and encourages the college’s administration to cooperate fully in providing the requested documents.

In the October Monthly Advocacy Series (MAS) session of HEDA Resource Centre’s X-Space, Ayoola Kassim, Channels Television’s environmental journalist, highlighted governance lapses and climate change as key drivers of Nigeria’s recurrent flood crises. Kassim emphasized that governance failures account for 70-80% of the issue, while climate change contributes around 20-30%. Despite forecasts of heavy rainfall, government inaction has left communities vulnerable. Kassim also noted that behaviors like littering, which clog drainage systems, worsen the impact. “We can’t blame everything on climate change. It’s primarily a governance gap and human character,” she asserted. On the role of government agencies such as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Kassim noted that the proliferation of early warning systems has not been effectively utilized. “We have all the early flood warning messages, but who is making use of them?” she asked, pointing to the need for the masses to effectively utilize early warnings about floods and prepare to avert disaster. Kassim emphasized the need for better accountability and government action, stating, “When warnings are issued, but drainage systems are blocked and rivers aren’t dredged, flooding becomes inevitable. If the government does the minimum, water levels may rise but won’t necessarily result in disaster.” Regarding Nigeria’s stance at the upcoming Unite Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Baku, Kassim expressed concern about the lack of clarity from the Ministry of Environment and the National Climate Change Council (NCCC) on the country’s priorities. “There’s been no information from the NCCC on Nigeria’s goals for COP28, despite critical issues around climate finance and loss and damage that require urgent attention,” she remarked. She highlighted that African negotiators, including Nigeria, are advocating for a financing framework for loss and damage from climate events. Kassim also stressed the need for knowledgeable Nigerian negotiators at COP28, recalling the expertise Nigeria had fostered for COP21 in Paris in 2015 and questioning the decision to advertise for new negotiators ahead of COP28 without utilizing existing trained experts. On climate accountability, Kassim pointed to recent flooding in Borno State as an example where media and public calls for accountability brought attention to government responsibilities. “When flooding happened in Borno, the media questioned why the state government hadn’t used the ecological funds provided to prevent such disasters,” she said, emphasizing that holding officials accountable opens more opportunities for preventive measures. Kassim also urged civil society organizations (CSOs) and citizens to play a proactive role by holding government accountable. She stressed that communities must heed early warning predictions, while CSOs should press for preventative actions in high-risk areas. “Predictions alone are not enough, we need proactive measures to keep water out of homes and safeguard vulnerable communities.” she concluded.