Court Orders NDDC to Disclose Project Details in Ese-Odo, Ilaje, Irele, and Okitipupa Following HEDA’s Request

In a groundbreaking verdict issued by Honorable Justice Y. Bogoro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been directed to honor the Freedom of Information request lodged by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre). This mandate entails providing a thorough breakdown of projects identified in Ese-Odo, Ilaje, Irele, and Okitipupa. The HEDA Resource Centre, a civil society organization acting as the Incorporated Trustees, initiated legal action against the NDDC in suit FHC/C/CS/250/2021 due to the Commission’s failure to furnish requested information regarding the detailed breakdown of projects in Ese-Odo, Ilaje, Irele, and Okitipupa since 2021. Dated February 17, 2021, HEDA submitted a Motion on Notice seeking a mandamus order to compel the NDDC to furnish the information initially requested on January 22, 2021. The mandate sought by the applicant was clear: to ensure the NDDC adheres to the Freedom of Information Act by providing comprehensive details on the identified projects in Ese-Odo, Ilaje, Irele, and Okitipupa. The ruling, issued decisively by Honorable Justice Y. Bogoro, obliges the NDDC to comply with the information outlined in the applicant’s request dated February 17, 2021. Additionally, HEDA Resource Centre’s report in November 2020 highlighted 29 abandoned projects worth billions of Naira in Ondo State, with Ilaje Local Government Area having 12 projects, Okitipupa LGA with 11 projects, Ese-Odo LGA with four projects, and Irele LGA with two projects. HEDA’s investigation into the contractors involved revealed pertinent details, including their corporate registration documents and directorship. Notably, some contractors disclosed that they resorted to loans to execute projects, but the NDDC failed to remunerate them as agreed, leading to project abandonment. This ruling underscores the values of transparency and accountability enshrined in the Freedom of Information Act, marking a significant triumph for HEDA Resource Centre’s pursuit of vital information regarding the project breakdowns identified in Ese-Odo, Ilaje, Irele, and Okitipupa from the Niger Delta Development Commission.

February 5, 2024February 7, 2024 By heda

HEDA News

The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs

The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) finds itself embroiled in a demand for a refund totaling N2,475,000 from the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) following a contentious publishing agreement that remains unfulfilled. In a letter dated 10th January 2024, Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, directed to Prof. Eghosa E. Osaghae, Director-General of NIIA, demanding the reimbursement of the aforementioned amount. The sum was remitted to the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs for the publication of a book titled “FIVE DECADES OF UNIFIED SINO-NIGERIA ENGAGEMENT,” as mutually agreed upon between HEDA Resource Centre consultant and NIIA, represented respectively by Dr. Gbenga Oduntan and Prof. Efem N. Ubi. As per the provided correspondence, NIIA issued a quotation dated 27th February 2023, valuing the publication at N2,450,000. Subsequently, on May 29th, 2023, HEDA Resource Centre transferred a total of N2,475,000 to NIIA’s account, documented by a remita payment receipt. Despite the receipt of payment, NIIA failed to honor its end of the agreement, citing delays in retrieving funds from the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Treasury Single Account, where the payment was deposited. NIIA acknowledged that the retrieval process could span between two to three months. However, as of the letter’s date, more than seven months have elapsed without any substantive progress or communication from NIIA, except for repetitive excuses. Suraju contends that the delay has severely impacted HEDA Resource Centre’s partnership with an international organization, which anticipated the publication’s completion by September 2023—an aspect communicated to Prof. Ubi prior to payment. In response, HEDA Resource Centre demands the full refund of N2,475,000 within 14 days of receiving the letter. The refund should be directed to the organization’s bank account at Guaranty Trust Bank. Failure to comply within the stipulated period may prompt legal action against NIIA. This dispute underscores the challenges inherent in contractual engagements, particularly in ensuring the timely fulfillment of obligations by revenue generating agencies of government, and attempts by suspected officials to prevent revenue generation through the Treasury Single Accounts.

February 5, 2024February 7, 2024 By heda

HEDA News

Documentary: How HEDA is Amplifying Climate Frontline Communities Voices in Africa

https://youtu.be/JEIeCaX2agU?si=nFHIZuabw1U7w9mwExplore the untold stories of resilience and determination as we take you on a journey Inside the Climate Frontline Communities in Nigeria. In this eye-opening documentary, we delve deep into the lives of the brave individuals and communities at the forefront of the battle against climate change. Don’t miss this powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the climate frontline communities in Nigeria and the collective effort required to build a more sustainable and resilient future for all. Subscribe now to stay informed and inspired! 🌿🎥

January 21, 2024January 21, 2024 By heda

HEDA News

Court Orders CBN To Grant HEDA’s Request For Details of MTN improper repatriation of funds.

In a landmark judgment delivered by Honorable Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been ordered to grant the Freedom of Information request by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) by providing details concerning the resolution between CBN and MTN Nigeria Limited on charges related to improper repatriation of funds. The Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre had sued the respondent – Central Bank of Nigeria – in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1110/2021 over the Apex Bank’s failure to provide the information requested from it on the details of the improper repatriation of funds complaints against the telecommunication company back in 2021. HEDA in a Motion on Notice dated and filed 22nd February 2021 seeking an order of mandamus compelling the CBN to supply the information requested as contained in the applicant’s request dated the 20th of August, 2021. The applicant sought an Order of Mandamus, compelling the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide the detailed information requested under the Freedom of Information Act. The respondent, in turn, filed a motion to strike out and/or dismiss the suit on grounds of jurisdiction. In its quest for transparency and accountability, the Incorporated Trustees of HEDA sought comprehensive details regarding the resolution between the Central Bank of Nigeria and MTN Nigeria Limited. The information, requested under the Freedom of Information Act, aimed to shed light on the charges against MTN Nigeria Limited for improper repatriation of funds. The relief sought by the applicant through its lawyer, Saidu Muhammed was for the Central Bank of Nigeria to supply the requested information and comply with the application. The respondent, Central Bank of Nigeria, through its counsel, Lukman Fagbemi (SAN) argued that it had promptly responded to the request on August 25, 2021, assuring the applicant that the requested information would be communicated in due course. The delay, according to the respondent, was attributed to the necessity of consultations required to ensure compliance with the application. In a decisive ruling, the Honorable Justice J.K Omotosho ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide the information outlined in the applicant’s request dated August 20, 2021. On January 10, Justice J.K Omotosho ordered, “That the Respondent supply the information requested, as contained in the Applicant’s Request dated the 20th of August, 2021 attached to the Affidavit in Support of this application as Exhibit HEDA I, to Wit: “The initial fine imposed on MTN Nigeria, The fine eventually paid by MTN Nigeria, The basis for the initial fine imposed on MTN Nigeria and any concession which led to a reduction of the fine; and The procedure through which the concessions were made. The Nigerian Government had accused the Mobile Telecommunication Company of illegally moving $8.1b out of Nigeria in contravention of foreign exchange regulations and demanded the return of the amount back to the coffers of the Central Bank of Nigeria. While the bank proceeded to court to challenge the government’s decision, its lawyers announced an out-of-court settlement between the company and the Federal Government, confirming a Lagos division of the Federal High Court entered the settlement terms as its judgment. Parties to the settlement had refused to disclose the terms of the settlement even in the court. The Nigerian Senate had alleged an attempt by officials in government, in cahoots with officials of the company, surreptitiously working to reduce the fine from $8.1b to a paltry $800m. The failure to disclose the terms of the settlement, despite allegations of conspiracy and compromise by the Senate, prompted HEDA to demand this information under the FOI Act. Sadly, further investigation revealed the terms of settlement were not in the case file, as claimed by parties to the agreement. This ruling reinforces the principles of transparency and accountability embedded in the Freedom of Information Act, marking a significant victory for HEDA Resource Centre in their pursuit of essential information related to the MTN Nigeria Limited case.

January 21, 2024 By heda

HEDA News

Alleged N585m Fraud: HEDA Lauds President Tinubu’s Anti-Corruption Move and Urges Further Investigation

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) expresses its commendation to President Bola Tinubu for taking decisive action in suspending all Social Investment Programmes administered by the National Social Investment Programme Agency. Deeming this decision is a commendable step in the ongoing fight against corruption. HEDA, in an official statement endorsed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, applauds President Tinubu’s bold move and underscores its importance in combating corruption. Additionally, the anti-corruption group sees the decision as a supportive measure for the existing investigations into alleged malfeasance within the agency and its programs. The National Social Investment Programme Agency has been under scrutiny since the suspension of its Chief Executive Officer, Halima Shehu. The focus of the investigation is the reported laundering of N37.1 billion within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, under the former Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq. Suraju adds, “President Tinubu’s suspension of Farouq’s successor, Betta Edu, who is also being questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, adds another layer to the ongoing probe.” Edu, the suspended Minister, is alleged to have directed the transfer of N585 million to a private account owned by Oniyelu Bridget, identified as the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups. “As a Civil Society organization, HEDA Resource Centre calls upon the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to initiate an investigation into the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Ojo, who has been alleged to be implicated in the N585 million scam. The statement further asserts, “Nigerians need to be informed about the allegation that the Edu-led ministry awarded a consultancy contract worth N438 million to New Plant Projects Limited for the National Social Registered to New New Plant Projects Limited, a company linked to the scandal.”

January 21, 2024 By heda

HEDA News

Alleged N585m Fraud: HEDA Urges Wholistic Investigation of MDAs accounts and accountants by Anti-Corruption agencies

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) expresses surprise at the audacity of sacked Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development Minister, Dr. Betta Edu, to have ordered the payment of public funds into the private account of a public servant and the consent of the officer to this conspiracy and breach of financial regulations of the country. It agreed with President Bola Tinubu on the decisive action in suspending all Social Investment Programmes administered by the National Social Investment Programme Agency. Deeming this decision is the right step in the fight against corruption. HEDA, in an official statement endorsed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, charged President Tinubu to extend his bold move to review and investigate Federal MDAs and their account persons. This will underscore the importance of his commitment to combating corruption. Additionally, the anti-corruption group sees the decision as a supportive measure for the existing investigations into alleged malfeasance within Ministries, departments, and agencies across the country. The National Social Investment Programme Agency has been under scrutiny since the suspension of its Chief Executive Officer, Halima Shehu. The focus of the investigation is the reported laundering of N37.1 billion within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, under the former Minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq. Suraju adds, “President Tinubu’s suspension of Farouq’s successor, Betta Edu, who is now being questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, adds another layer to the ongoing probe.” Edu, the suspended Minister, is alleged to have directed the transfer of N585 million to a private account owned by Oniyelu Bridget, identified as the Project Accountant for Grants for Vulnerable Groups. “As a Civil Society organization, HEDA Resource Centre calls upon the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to beam its searchlight on Permanent Secretaries and Project Accountants and investigate their culpability and involvement in the mismanagement and diversion of public funds. The statement further asserts, “Nigerians need to be informed about the allegation that the Edu-led ministry awarded a consultancy contract worth N438 million to New Plant Projects Limited, a company linked to the Interior Minister, for the National Social Registered.”

January 21, 2024January 21, 2024 By heda

HEDA News

Global Stock Take at COP28 in Dubai

And the world met in Dubai to take stock of actions being taken by all entities including states and non state actors to combat climate change by keeping global average temperature below the stipulated 1.5°C and also to help those most affected by the on going impacts of climate change to adapt and thrive better. HEDA Resource Centre, being one of the leading climate justice advocacy organisations in Africa and having an observer status to the United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change, fully participated in the conference. The HEDA delegation followed up on the food systems issues, the just energy transition issues, as well as loss and damage. As a strong advocate for the right to food through climate smart agriculture and the rights of small holder farmers, the organisation hosted an official side event to look at the impact of industrial animal production from the global North and its impact on small holder farmers in Africa. The side event was done in collaboration with Four Paws and World Animal Protection on Saturday, 2nd December 2024, with the title: Unveiling Industrial Animal Farming’s Hidden Climate Destruction in the Global South. The organization also participated in the global stocktake to bring to the conference the issues of small holder farmers from Nigeria and Africa whose voices are often unheard. We launched our project, amplifying the voices of climate frontline communities. The project included study and interaction visits to about 40 communities impacted by the 2022 flooding in Nigeria. We shared the information pack telling the stories of these farmers and their communities done on postcards and with barcodes. These materials were distributed at every event we attended, and we equally took time to explain to people some of the realities of these communities. Through our African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) project, the organisation sponsored one young female climate justice activist and gave part sponsorship to a female journalist. HEDA also participated in the People’s Climate march and actively participated in various activities of the climate justice movement at Cop28. In January, HEDA will be doing a review of COP28 with a view to holding duty bearers to account on all commitments, as well as to enlighten citizens on their roles in combating climate change.

January 8, 2024 By heda

HEDA News

HEDA Releases Leadership Approval Rating Report on President Buhari’s Administration

In a bid to promote transparency and engage citizens in evaluating government performance, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has unveiled its latest publication, Volume 3, Number 1 of the Leadership Approval Rating (LAR) report. This edition of the LAR survey zeroes in on the eight-year tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2023. The LAR initiative serves as a vital platform for Nigerians to express their opinions and perspectives on government policies, shedding light on public sentiment and perceptions. The latest survey is a comprehensive assessment of President Buhari’s performance in critical areas, including health, education, poverty alleviation programs, economic policies and management, and the fight against corruption. Spanning all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), this extensive rating exercise offers valuable insights into the level of support for President Buhari’s policies and the satisfaction levels among the Nigerian populace regarding the outcomes. The report provides a data-driven assessment of President Buhari’s leadership, offering a nuanced analysis of achievements, challenges, and public sentiment. It delves into the socio-political landscape, highlighting the impact of key policies and shedding light on areas where progress has been made and where further attention is required. Whether one is a policy enthusiast or a concerned citizen, this report offers a balanced and informed perspective on President Buhari’s tenure. It empowers individuals to stay informed, engage in discussions, and make well-informed contributions to the discourse surrounding Nigeria’s leadership. The release of the LAR report underscores the importance of public participation in governance and the critical role of transparency and accountability in shaping the nation’s future. It encourages citizens to actively engage with the democratic process, fostering a more informed and engaged society. As Nigeria continues on its path toward progress and development, initiatives like the Leadership Approval Rating serve as a crucial tool for assessing the effectiveness of government policies and ensuring that the voices and opinions of the people are heard and considered. For those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of President Buhari’s administration and its impact on various sectors of Nigerian society, the comprehensive LAR report is a valuable resource, offering insights that can inform discussions, policies, and decisions that shape the nation’s future.

January 3, 2024 By heda

HEDA News

HEDA Collaborates with Stakeholders to Assess Impact of Flood Disaster in Lagos

In a concerted effort to bolster strategic plans aimed at reducing the impact of floods in Lagos State, The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged critical stakeholders to take decisive actions to alleviate the prevailing flood situation in the state. HEDA participated in a stakeholders forum, organized by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), alongside the World Bank team, to evaluate the repercussions of the 2022 Flood disaster in Lagos State and its environs. During the forum, HEDA emphasized the need for grassroots political leaders to actively engage their communities in implementing effective measures to curb the recurring flood disasters. Representing HEDA at the stakeholders forum were Barakah Danmole, the Monitoring and Evaluation and Compliance Officer, and Sakariyah Shakiru, the Program Manager officer for Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development. Dr. Oluwafemi Damilola Oke, the Permanent Secretary/CEO of the Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA), expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its significant and efficient contributions to emergency response efforts in Nigeria. He underscored the importance of collecting and storing data on past flooding events, emphasizing that this approach would provide a comprehensive understanding of such incidents and aid in developing solutions to mitigate their impact in the future. Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos Territorial Office, highlighted NEMA’s collaboration with Saudi Arabian experts to provide training for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and relevant stakeholders, including the fire service and LASEMA, focused on disaster rescue and saving lives. He acknowledged NEMA’s limited funding as a significant challenge and mentioned that the Lagos State Commissioner of Environment is taking measures to prevent predicted flash flooding in 25 local government areas by demolishing buildings along waterways. During the forum, Mrs. Danmole from HEDA Resource Centre presented the organization’s initiatives in climate justice and its recent flooding response under the African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) Project. This project, sponsored by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and Oxfam, involved visits to 16 states and approximately 35 communities across Nigeria between September and November 2023.

December 24, 2023 By heda

HEDA News

Compendium: HEDA Urges President Tinubu to Intensify Anti-Corruption Efforts Amid Alarming Statistics

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading anti-corruption group, has expressed deep concern over the alarming rate at which Nigeria’s wealth is being embezzled by public office holders and politically exposed individuals. Backed by compelling statistics, HEDA called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to escalate the fight against corruption in the country. This plea was made during the Public Presentation of the Seventh Edition of the Compendium on 100 High Profile Corruption Cases in Nigeria, organized by HEDA to mark the international anti-corruption day. The group emphasized that the prevailing Nigerian system fosters corruption, identifying graft as the primary impediment to national growth. Highlighting the urgency of addressing corruption cases with the same diligence as election petitions, HEDA asserted that failure to do so would result in a continued decline in various aspects of the nation. The event, supported by the MacArthur Foundation, saw the participation of key stakeholders in the anti-graft battle, including senior legal practitioners such as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN; Mr. Wahab Shittu, SAN; and retired Justice Mojisola Olatoregun; Mr Ibrahim Magu; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Lagos Zonal Commander, Mr. Michael Wetkas. Chairman of HEDA, Olanrewaju Suraju, stressed the need for a clear and resolute commitment from President Tinubu against corruption beyond mere appointments. In his keynote address, Mr. Shittu urged for a replication of the expeditious handling of election petitions in anti-corruption cases, proposing a legal framework to ensure that no corruption case exceeds six months. Mr. Pedro emphasized the importance of giving corruption cases equal attention as election petitions, calling for a review of laws to align with global practices. He urged citizens to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and emphasized the role of the rule of law in pursuing justice. Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, speaking on the compendium, highlighted the corrosive impact of corruption on society, emphasizing the need for collective efforts in the ongoing battle for justice and accountability. The compendium, representing a repository of factual information on 100 high-profile corruption cases, serves as a testament to the commitment to combat corruption and its detrimental effects on the nation’s development. Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyed, represented by Mr. Michael Wetkas, reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to collaboration, professionalism, and strict adherence to the rule of law in preventing and combating corruption.

December 24, 2023 By heda