HEDA News Archives - HEDA Resource Centre

HEDA, MINILS to Hold Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Just Energy Transition in Nigeria

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), in collaboration with the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), is set to convene a stakeholders’ dialogue on promoting a just and inclusive clean energy transition in Nigeria, with a focus on protecting workers’ rights and livelihoods. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil organisation said the initiative seeks to ensure that workers, particularly those in the oil, gas, and other fossil fuel-dependent sectors, are not left behind as Nigeria moves towards renewable and cleaner energy sources. The dialogue, themed “Empowering Labour Unions for a Just and Inclusive Clean Energy Transition in Nigeria,” is scheduled to hold in Ilorin, Kwara State, between Tuesday, 3 November and Thursday, 5 November 2026, aimed at strengthening the capacity of labour unions to participate effectively in energy transition policy discussions and advocacy. Suraju noted that although the transition presents opportunities for economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and job creation, it also carries potential risks, including job losses, skills displacement, and economic uncertainty for workers whose livelihoods depend on the fossil fuel industry. He further stressed the importance of involving labour unions in shaping energy transition policies to ensure that workers’ interests are adequately protected and that the shift towards cleaner energy does not deepen existing inequalities. Under the project, HEDA and MINILS will organise capacity-building workshops for union leaders and members on climate change, clean energy, workers’ rights, and relevant policy frameworks. Other activities will include policy roundtables with government institutions and regulatory agencies, development of policy briefs and advocacy toolkits, and media engagements to amplify workers’ voices. The project will focus particularly on oil-producing and industrial states, while engaging key stakeholders such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), government agencies, civil society organisations, and private sector actors. A major component of the initiative is the promotion of labour-sensitive policies that guarantee workers access to retraining and reskilling opportunities, decent employment in the renewable energy sector, and adequate social protection for those affected by changes in the energy industry. HEDA called on government institutions, labour unions, civil society organisations, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to support efforts towards an energy transition that balances environmental sustainability with workers’ rights, economic security, and social justice. The organisation maintained that Nigeria’s clean energy transition must be people-centred and inclusive, ensuring that workers and communities are active participants in shaping the country’s energy future rather than casualties of the transition.

November 4, 2026November 4, 2026 By heda 0

HEDA Submission on Article 24 of the African Charter

HEDA Submission on Article 24 of the African Charter HEDA Resource Centre presents its written submission to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in support of the development of a General Comment on the scope of Article 24 of the African Charter. The submission examines the right to a satisfactory, clean, healthy and sustainable environment, highlighting the importance of environmental protection, human rights safeguards, and the responsibilities of states and institutions in addressing environmental challenges. It draws on HEDA’s experience in environmental justice, sustainable development and human rights advocacy to contribute to the Commission’s efforts to strengthen the interpretation and implementation of environmental rights across Africa. Download the full submission here.

October 30, 2026October 30, 2026 By heda 0

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HEDA Calls on EFCC to Investigate NSPRI’s N683.8m Expenditure on Projects Outside Its Mandate

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) alleging that the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) spent N683.8 million on projects outside its statutory mandate in a single day. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation expressed concern over the allegations, particularly the reported scale and concentration of the expenditure on projects that appear unrelated to the institute’s core research responsibilities. The report, titled “NSPRI Spends Taxpayers’ N683.8m on Odd Projects in 1 Day,” alleged that the research institute, based in Ilorin, Kwara State, made 14 separate payments to 14 companies on May 10 for projects including health-centre renovation, polytechnic workshops, streetlights, boreholes, tricycles, empowerment programmes and solar mini-grids. According to FIJ, some of the payments included N104.5 million to Shamal Construction Limited for solar mini-grids in Maiduguri Metropolitan Constituency, Borno State; N99.1 million to Tripplehech Resources Limited for agricultural capacity-building training in the same constituency; and N78.2 million to Scelta Construction Limited for solar mini-grids. The report further alleged that the institute made payments for projects in several federal constituencies across Borno, Benue, Yobe, Kwara and Niger states. These included N53.8 million to Shafana Enterprises as a 30 per cent mobilisation fee for a farmers’ market project in Benue State and N52.2 million to Ajagba Nigeria Limited for a solar mini-grid project in Yobe State. According to Suraju, the allegations warrant an independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the payments, the procurement processes involved and whether public funds were used in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) statutory mandate focuses on research into the post-harvest handling of agricultural commodities, the development of relevant equipment and the dissemination of research findings to farmers, industrialists, produce handlers and inspectors. HEDA therefore urged the EFCC to investigate the reported transactions, determine whether any financial impropriety or abuse of public office occurred and take appropriate legal action if wrongdoing is established. The organisation also called on the relevant oversight authorities to examine the institute’s procurement and expenditure records and ensure that public resources allocated to government research institutions are used transparently and for their intended purposes. Suraju reaffirmed the importance of accountability, transparency and responsible management of public funds, stressing that allegations involving public expenditure must be investigated thoroughly and impartially in the public interest. The group urged the relevant authorities to ensure that the outcome of any investigation is made public, subject to applicable legal requirements, to strengthen public confidence in the management of government resources.

October 26, 2026 By Tamara Thankgod 0

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HEDA Petitions EFCC Over Isa Pantami’s Alleged ₦18.9bn Broadband Contract Fraud

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, over the alleged diversion or misappropriation of ₦18.9 billion allocated for broadband infrastructure projects. In a petition dated October 9, 2026, and signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation alleged that the projects, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on March 29, 2023, were not executed despite the award of contracts and a four-month delivery deadline. According to the petition, a FEC memorandum put the contract value at ₦18.976 billion, covering broadband infrastructure at selected airports and tertiary institutions nationwide. Ten contractors were assigned airport projects worth about ₦5.527 billion, while 19 contractors were awarded institutional projects valued at approximately ₦12.784 billion. HEDA urged the EFCC to establish whether the contractors were paid, trace funds released, and determine why the projects were allegedly not completed. It also called for a forensic audit, physical verification and an investigation into the roles of Pantami, other officials, contractors and technical auditors. The group further asked the commission to reconcile the ₦18.976 billion in the FEC memorandum with the approximately ₦24.2 billion publicly announced by Pantami in 2023. It said the broader figure reportedly included ₦5.25 billion for broadband projects in six markets, for which it had not obtained comparable details. HEDA also called for scrutiny of the procurement process, including the use of the Direct Procurement method, contractor selection and beneficial ownership. While noting that the contracts were approved shortly before the end of the Buhari administration, the organisation said the timing alone did not establish wrongdoing but warranted investigation alongside the alleged non-execution of the projects. HEDA further urged the EFCC to recover any misappropriated funds and prosecute anyone found culpable, stressing that the petition was a call for an independent investigation and not a presumption of guilt.

October 19, 2026October 19, 2026 By heda 0

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Petrol Discount: HEDA Welcomes FG’s Initiative, Calls for Broader Measures to Ease Economic Hardship

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged the Federal Government to complement its 30-day petrol discount with comprehensive measures to ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation said the effectiveness of the intervention would depend on transparent implementation, accessibility and tangible benefits for citizens. HEDA noted that although the government had clarified that the initiative was a temporary margin discount rather than a return to blanket fuel subsidy, it must translate into meaningful reductions in transportation costs and provide relief to households and businesses. The civil organisation called for stronger social protection programmes, including timely and transparent cash transfers to vulnerable households, supported by credible beneficiary data, clear eligibility criteria and effective accountability mechanisms to prevent diversion and exclusion. It also urged the government to address rising food and transportation costs through targeted support for commercial transport operators, improved access to affordable public transport, increased investment in local food production and distribution, and measures to reduce the cost of moving agricultural produce to markets. On the implementation of the petrol discount, Suraju called for the publication of clear guidelines identifying participating NNPC stations, the applicable discount per litre, eligibility criteria for public transport operators and mechanisms for monitoring compliance. It also urged the government to ensure transparent reporting on the proposed petrol price ceiling and its monthly reviews. “Regular disclosure of implementation costs and outcomes was necessary to promote public accountability, particularly given the tax concessions and arrangements involving fuel marketers,” Suraju added. HEDA further called for accelerated investment in sustainable alternatives to petrol, including reliable public transportation, affordable compressed natural gas (CNG) options and renewable energy, supported by adequate infrastructure and appropriate safety standards. While acknowledging the government’s concerns about the long-term fiscal implications of a blanket fuel subsidy, the organisation maintained that economic management must prioritise citizens’ welfare alongside fiscal sustainability. HEDA urged the Federal Government to treat the 30-day discount as an immediate relief measure and develop a broader, people-centred response that improves household purchasing power, supports small businesses and makes essential goods and services more affordable. It added that the success of the intervention should be measured by the tangible relief experienced by Nigerians, rather than the announcement of the policy alone.

October 12, 2026October 12, 2026 By heda 0

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HEDA Urges Federal High Court Chief Judge to Return ₦10.27bn Bello Case to Judge

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, to return the ₦10.27 billion money-laundering case involving Ali Bello, Dauda Sulaiman and Abdulsalami Hudu to Justice James Omotosho for conclusion, rather than allowing the case to start afresh. HEDA, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, made the call following Justice Omotosho’s reported withdrawal from the case on September 24, 2026, over concerns surrounding the alleged tampering with an exhibit admitted in evidence. The case, which began in 2022, concerns the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) allegations that ₦10.27 billion was misappropriated from the Kogi State Government treasury. The defendants have denied the allegations. The prosecution called 17 witnesses and closed its case on June 2, 2026, after which the defendants filed no-case submissions. Justice Omotosho’s withdrawal followed an earlier incident involving Exhibit N, a mobile phone containing WhatsApp conversations. The judge had ordered investigations by the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) after alleging that messages on the device had been deleted. He subsequently said the unresolved controversy surrounding the exhibit could affect his consideration of the no-case submissions and create an appearance of bias. HEDA urged the Chief Judge to consider all lawful options for returning the case to Justice Omotosho, stressing that restarting the trial could further delay and derail a case that has already progressed to the close of the prosecution’s evidence. The organisation also called for the outcome of the investigation into the alleged evidence tampering to be formally made available to the court and properly addressed through due process with law enforcement agencies prosecuting the Registrar indicted by the judge. According to Suraju, HEDA’s position does not amount to a determination of the guilt or innocence of any of the defendants. The allegations against the defendants remain matters for judicial determination based on the evidence before the court, and it is also to be ascertained if any of the defendants participated in the alleged evidence tampering. “We urged the Chief Judge to protect the integrity of the proceedings while ensuring that the substantial progress already made in the case is not unnecessarily lost. We also further call for clarity on the outcomes of the investigations, the status of the allegedly deleted messages and the circumstances surrounding the handling of evidence admitted by the court.” Suraju added. HEDA said the case should be allowed to proceed from the stage already reached, subject to applicable law and due process, rather than being restarted without compelling legal necessity. The organisation also called for the outcome of the investigation into the alleged evidence tampering to be made available to the court and properly addressed through due process. HEDA stressed that its position does not amount to a determination of the guilt or innocence of any defendant, noting that the allegations remain subject to judicial determination. It urged the Federal High Court to preserve the progress already made in the case and ensure its timely determination in accordance with the law.

October 5, 2026October 5, 2026 By heda

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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

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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

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HEDA, PPLAAF to Convene Stakeholder Workshop on Anti-Corruption Capacity and Asset Tracing in Abuja

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), in collaboration with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), will convene a one-day stakeholder workshop aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to trace, recover and repatriate illicitly acquired assets. The workshop, scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, in Abuja, will bring together financial intelligence analysts, anti-corruption practitioners, prosecutors, judicial officers, civil society organisations and investigative journalists. The hybrid-format event tagged “Strengthening Anti-Corruption Capacity & Asset Tracing Frameworks in Nigeria” will focus on strengthening practical approaches to asset tracing and recovery, improving inter-agency intelligence sharing, and advancing whistleblower protection mechanisms. Key regulatory and enforcement institutions expected to engage with the initiative include the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). According to HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the workshop is being convened against the backdrop of increasingly sophisticated methods of concealing illicitly acquired assets, including the use of offshore companies, complex corporate structures, real estate and digital assets. “Strengthening anti-corruption enforcement requires approaches that go beyond investigating and prosecuting individuals to systematically identifying, tracing, freezing, recovering and repatriating the proceeds of corruption,” Suraju added. The workshop will therefore provide a platform for participants to examine modern asset-tracing methodologies, including the use of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), as well as explore legal and technical frameworks for cross-border asset recovery, Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA), and the effective integration of whistleblower-generated evidence into financial crime investigations and prosecutions. “Asset recovery must remain a central component of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. Strengthening the capacity of relevant institutions to trace complex financial networks, share intelligence and protect those who provide information is essential to ensuring that corruption does not pay,” Suraju maintained. The workshop is expected to strengthen technical capacity among relevant stakeholders while creating practical pathways for sustained collaboration between enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and the media in the fight against corruption and illicit financial flows.

September 21, 2026September 21, 2026 By heda

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UK Acquittal Should Not Halt Diezani’s Corruption Case in Nigeria – HEDA tells FG

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has said the acquittal of former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, by a United Kingdom court should not be interpreted as an end to corruption investigations, prosecutions and asset-recovery proceedings relating to her in Nigeria. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation said the June 17 verdict of the Southwark Crown Court Jury must be respected as a judicial decision concerning the specific bribery charges brought before the UK court, but does not automatically determine the outcome of separate proceedings and allegations being pursued under Nigerian law. HEDA said Federal Government of Nigeria must continue to pursue all legitimate aspects of the cases based on credible evidence, due process and the rule of law. HEDA said its position was informed by its longstanding monitoring of the Diezani case, which it has documented in its Compendium of 100 High-Profile Corruption Cases. The organisation’s 2020 edition highlighted the difficulties surrounding efforts to bring Alison-Madueke before a Nigerian court, including an order directing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce her for trial. Its subsequent publications also tracked forfeiture proceedings involving properties and other assets linked to the former minister, including her challenges to the EFCC’s efforts to dispose of forfeited assets. “The UK judgment should be respected for what it is: a decision on the specific criminal charges for crimes committed under the UK laws that were before the court. It should neither be misrepresented as proof of guilt nor as a blanket determination of every allegation, investigation or asset-recovery proceeding connected to the former minister,” Suraju said. The organisation noted that criminal prosecution and asset recovery are related but distinct processes, stressing that the failure of a criminal prosecution does not necessarily determine the status of assets where separate legal proceedings apply. HEDA urged the EFCC and other relevant Nigerian institutions to independently assess the evidence available to them and proceed with viable cases, while ensuring that any further prosecution complies with constitutional safeguards, including the right to a fair hearing and protection against double jeopardy. HEDA also stressed that Nigeria’s responsibility to investigate corruption and recover public assets cannot be outsourced to foreign jurisdictions. “Nigeria must not wait for foreign courts to determine whether Nigerians accused of corruption should face justice. Our institutions must sustain and improve the investigative capacity, evidence-gathering systems and international cooperation mechanisms required to pursue complex corruption cases, wherever the proceeds may have been moved,” the organisation said. The organisation said the Diezani case has a significant international asset-recovery dimension, with previous proceedings involving properties and other assets linked to the former minister in jurisdictions including the United States and the United Kingdom. It urged Nigerian authorities to provide greater clarity on the status of the various corruption cases and asset-recovery proceedings involving Alison-Madueke, warning that prolonged investigations and court processes without adequate public communication could weaken confidence in anti-corruption institutions. The group also called for greater transparency in the management of assets recovered or forfeited in corruption cases, saying Nigerians should know what has been recovered, where such assets are located, how they are being managed and how recovered public resources are ultimately deployed. It urged the media and civil society organisations to sustain scrutiny of the Nigerian authorities’ handling of the case, including criminal proceedings, asset recovery and the management of recovered assets. “The ultimate test is not whether justice can be obtained in London or any other foreign jurisdiction. The test is whether Nigeria has institutions capable of investigating credible allegations, prosecuting cases based on evidence, recovering the proceeds of corruption and ensuring that those resources are returned transparently to the Nigerian people,” Suraju said.

September 13, 2026September 13, 2026 By heda