A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice Z.B. Abubakar, has mandated the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to furnish the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) with pertinent information concerning the selection process of Bitt Inc. as the technical partner for the CBN’s E-Naira digital currency project. The judgment, delivered in the case FHC/ABJ/CS/1542/2021 between the Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre and the Central Bank of Nigeria, addressed a Motion on Notice dated 22nd February 2022. The motion sought a Mandamus order compelling the CBN to provide information outlined in the Applicant’s request dated 1st September 2021. The information sought by the leading civil society organisation in the country,  HEDA Resource Centre, included evidence of the newspaper advertisement calling for bidders, the list of bidders, and evidence of the public opening of bids. In response, the CBN argued, citing Section 15(2) of the Public Procurement Act, that the bidding process for the E-Naira, involving special goods, works, and services related to national defense and security, did not require a newspaper advertisement for bidders and public opening of bids. The Respondent further contended that divulging the requested information would be detrimental to Nigeria’s international affairs, economic interests, and national security, particularly regarding countries seeking consultation with the CBN on the implementation of the e-currency in their respective nations. In its ruling, the Court emphasized that the CBN is a public institution or agency, as defined in Section 31 of the FoI Act, 2011. Pursuant to Section 4(a) and (b) of the FoI Act, 2011, the CBN is obligated to provide the requested information within seven days. The Court stressed the mandatory nature of the provisions, employing the term “shall,” leaving the Respondent with no discretion but to comply. Consequently, the Court deemed the Applicant’s application meritorious and granted the sole relief sought.

Civil Society Organizations have strongly criticized the Federal Government for initiating legal proceedings against Muhuyi Magaji, the Executive Chairman of Kano State’s Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission, under the influence of the All-Progressive Congress (APC) party Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, through the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). In a statement issued by representatives of the groups, it asserted that the charges brought against the Kano State PCAC boss by the Code of Conduct Bureau were orchestrated by certain politicians with the intent to undermine the anti-corruption efforts in Kano State. The statement highlighted the irony of the Code of Conduct Bureau’s failure to take action against several politicians, despite overwhelming evidence, including the former governor of Kano State, who is now the current All-Progressive Congress (APC) National Chairman. It also questioned the unprecedented speed of investigations and charges against the Kano anti-corruption chairman, attributing it to a desire to shield corrupt practices by the immediate past government of Kano State and divert attention from the anti-corruption drive in Kano. The groups further called for a change in the leadership of the Code of Conduct Bureau as part of the broader reshuffling of leaderships of the anti-graft agencies by the Tinubu-led administration. “The allegations against Muhuyi Magaji were dissected, with emphasis on the questionable nature of the bribery accusation involving the former Secretary to the State Government in Kano. This also raised doubts about the validity of the charges, questioning whether the Code of Conduct Bureau was the appropriate entity to address bribery allegations”. Furthermore, the anti-corruption group challenged the inconsistency in the application of legal action, pointing out that many governors accused of corruption and facing charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have not been similarly pursued by the Code of Conduct Bureau. The groups, however, maintained that the focus on Muhuyi Magaji was not just about Ganduje, but was deliberate, implying that the Code of Conduct Bureau had become a tool in the hands of politicians for persecution due to the scrutiny faced by Ganduje and his associates under the Kano government. The CCB’s selective investigation and prosecution has made a mockery of the Bureau’s intention and commitment to the anti-corruption drive. The statement was signed by Dr. Zikrillahi Ibrahim of CHRICED, Rafsanjani Auwal Musa of CISLAC, Mohammed Bougei Attah of Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative, and Olanrewaju Suraju of HEDA Resource Centre.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) is set to welcome Dr. Jonathan Fanton, the former President of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, for an official visit in Lagos. Scheduled for Thursday, 23rd November 2023, the visit will feature an interactive session, leveraging Dr. Fanton’s extensive experience in philanthropy and academia to delve into the strategic fight against corruption through international mechanisms. Dr. Fanton, with his distinguished background, including a recent role as the president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and leadership positions in organizations such as Human Rights Watch and the Security Council Report, brings a wealth of knowledge and a global perspective. His commitment to addressing global issues is evident, making his insights invaluable. The interactive session, tailored for media, civil society, and key state actors, will concentrate on corruption issues among both state and non-state actors. Additionally, it will explore the media’s role, civic space, and related matters. The overarching goal is to assess the current situation and pinpoint opportunities for stakeholder engagement in the fight against corruption.”

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), the Journalist for Democratic Rights (JODER), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), have raised alarms regarding the pervasive corruption in various sectors of Nigeria, urged journalists to up the pivotal role they play in exposing corrupt individuals fearlessly and without bias. During a media training session organized by HEDA in partnership with JODER and supported by the MacArthur Foundation, stakeholders convened under the theme “Building Public Ownership for Transparency and Accountability in Governance and Service Delivery.” focusing on their pivotal role in exposing corrupt individuals fearlessly and without bias. Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary of HEDA, emphasized the worsening state of corruption in the country and stressed the necessity of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to rectify the situation. Highlighting the global socioeconomic challenges, Arigbabu underscored the unique severity of Nigeria’s predicament due to the hindrance caused by corruption, hindering progress despite global efforts to ease challenges. Adewale Adeoye, Executive Director of JODER, called for a change in the narrative, urging media practitioners to conduct thorough, fact-based investigations and expose corruption. He argued that a corrupt-free society is achievable if the media remains vigilant, putting political leaders under scrutiny and demanding transparency. Hadiza Rimi, representing the ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, emphasized the vital role of the media in the fight against corruption. Aliyu stressed the importance of ethical reporting and the need for journalists, online media, and bloggers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in covering corruption stories. The ICPC chairman urged the media to be committed to truth, accuracy, and fairness, emphasizing that responsible journalism contributes to fostering accountability and change. The training also addressed the need for the Nigerian government to identify collaborators in the $11 billion arbitration award sought by P&ID, emphasizing that the court ruling in Nigeria’s favor should not conclude the case. Facilitators at the training, including Sam Olukoya of the BBC, expressed concerns about unresolved corruption cases involving multinational companies operating in Nigeria and urged accountability for those involved. Kabir Alabi Garba, the Weekend Editor of Guardian Newspaper, highlighted the lack of follow-up by the media on published corruption cases, attributing it to the impunity enjoyed by the guilty parties. He pointed to the Halliburton scandal as an example, lamenting the lack of punitive measures against culprits in Nigeria compared to their counterparts abroad. According to him, this contributes to the growing corruption in the country, as justice is not consistently served to those found guilty.

In a proactive move against corruption in Nigeria, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) is organizing an interactive session with influential stakeholders. This session will explore strategic approaches to combating corruption on an international scale, featuring insights from Mr. Jonathan Fanton, the former president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, renowned for his extensive expertise in philanthropy and academia. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, emphasized the critical need for stakeholders’ engagement in the interactive session. He underscored the importance of assessing the current situation and proposing effective measures to mitigate the impact of corruption in Nigeria. The session aims to pave the way forward for Nigeria to become a corrupt-free nation. The interactive dialogue, involving Mr. Jonathan Fanton, civil society organizations, and the media, will specifically focus on the strategic fight against corruption through international mechanisms. The round-table will provide a platform for participants to share impactful stories and experiences in combating corruption. The overarching goal is to assess the present situation and pinpoint opportunities for meaningful stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, HEDA  recognizes the multifaceted nature of corruption and its far-reaching consequences. In addition to the strategic focus on international mechanisms, the organization is keen on fostering collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen domestic anti-corruption efforts. This holistic approach involves not only identifying external influences but also addressing internal challenges that contribute to corruption. By bringing together diverse perspectives, including those from civil society, the media, and Mr. Jonathan Fanton’s wealth of experience, the interactive session aims to cultivate a comprehensive strategy for combating corruption at both national and international levels. Through collective insights and shared experiences, participants will not only assess the current landscape but also collaboratively identify actionable steps to fortify the fight against corruption, creating a roadmap for sustainable change in Nigeria.

In response to the escalating challenges posed by climate change, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) collaborating with the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET), Oxfam, and the Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance to host a one-day high-level workshop. The event, themed “Ramping Up Access to Climate Information Services for National Development and Food Security in Nigeria,” aims to address the critical role of climate information in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on the nation’s development and food security. Climate change remains a formidable threat to Nigeria and the global community, with severe impacts on lives and livelihoods. The workshop recognizes the potential reversal of gains made towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and revitalizing Nigeria’s economy. Climate change exacerbates insecurity and poses a significant risk to food and nutritional security, particularly affecting the agriculture sector and farming communities. The rising frequency of extreme weather events, including flooding, heatwaves, windstorms, sandstorms, and land and coastal erosion, underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges. The workshop aims to assemble high-level stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for improving access to climate information services. Recognizing the indispensable role of these services in national development planning, as well as ensuring food and nutritional security, the event seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among experts. As the workshop unfolds, participants anticipate meaningful discussions and the development of actionable plans to address the challenges posed by climate change. The collaboration between HEDA Resource Centre, NiMET, Oxfam, and the Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance reflects a commitment to building resilience and fostering sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s future.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has taken a significant step in addressing concerns over the alleged mismanagement of N183.9 billion in COVID-19 Intervention funds between 2020 and 2022 by the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC). In an effort to ensure accountability and transparency, HEDA has formally petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, conveyed the organization’s request in a letter addressed to the Executive Chairman of the anti-graft agency, Ola Olukoyede. The impetus for this action stemmed from a report by Leadership newspaper online, which highlighted Hon. Nyampa Dauda Zakari’s call for an investigation during a plenary session of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, the 17th day of October 2023. The petition underscores the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that the mismanagement allegations, if proven true and not investigated, would not only constitute a financial breach but also tarnish the country’s reputation on the international stage. Particularly concerning is the involvement of funds from international donors, impacting both victims of COVID-19 and vulnerable populations. HEDA expressed its deep concern over the potential damage to the country’s integrity and reputation. The organization believes that swift and thorough investigation by the EFCC is crucial not only for rectifying any wrongdoing but also for safeguarding the nation’s standing in the global community. “This is capable of making the country lose its integrity and reputation in the international space. Hence, the timely submission of this petition to enable the Commission to diligently investigate, prosecute, and remedy the country’s reputation before the international community,” stated HEDA. In presenting this petition, HEDA seeks not only accountability for the alleged financial mismanagement but also aims to uphold the integrity of Nigeria on the international stage. The organization trusts that the anti-graft agency’s intervention will serve to investigate, prosecute, and rectify any discrepancies, thereby restoring the country’s reputation and standing.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has charged the Federal Government on the immediate enforcement of the Bank Employees on the Declaration of Assets Act. This move is part of a concerted effort to combat corruption and promote transparency within Nigeria’s banking sector. In a letter signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, The anti-corruption group emphasized the significance of the Bank Employees on the Declaration of Assets Act, currently in effect. The Act was instituted during a period marked by rampant corruption within the banking industry, with corrupt public officials frequently exploiting bank employees and financial institutions to launder ill-gotten gains. Section 1 of the Act mandates that all bank employees in Nigeria disclose their assets within 14 days of the Act’s commencement or upon their employment as new staff. Furthermore, Section 2 confers authority upon the President or an appointed figure, such as the Secretary to the Federal Government or an individual designated in the Federal Gazette, to oversee the Act’s implementation. HEDA expressed deep concern over the Act’s apparent neglect since the inception of the 4th Republic in 1999. The organization has brought the Act’s provisions to the forefront, underscoring its pivotal role in combatting corruption and fostering public trust in the banking sector. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which commenced with a promise of economic prosperity for all Nigerians, is inherently tied to the elimination of avenues for misappropriating public funds. Consequently, HEDA firmly underscores the immediate and comprehensive implementation of the Bank Employees on the Declaration of Assets Act as an essential component of fulfilling this commitment. The letter reads in part, “We therefore bring the provisions of the Bank Employees, etc. (Declaration of Assets) Act to your attention and demand that you take urgent action either through your office or appointment of any institution by an instrument published in the Federal Gazette to fully implement the Act and mandate all Banks employees to declare their assets in compliance with the Act.” “We trust that you will treat this letter with utmost urgency and take decisive actions in fulfillment of this mandate as provided in the Bank Employees, etc. (Declaration of Assets) Act. We assure you that we will closely monitor this development.” This call to action by HEDA highlights the pressing need to address corruption within Nigeria’s banking sector and uphold principles of transparency and accountability, in alignment with international best practices and standards.

In a concerted effort to empower the media with ethical and professional training for the effective reporting of corruption cases and related offenses in Nigeria, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) is partnering with Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER) to host a one-day seminar-workshop. This workshop is designed for the benefit of 50 Nigerian journalists representing diverse media categories, with the aim of significantly reducing, if not entirely eradicating, the influence of politically exposed individuals hindering the media’s vital role as an anti-corruption watchdog, Themed “Training on Ethics and Professionalism in the Coverage of Corruption Cases for Nigerian Journalists, Online Media Editors, and Bloggers,” the corruption reporting workshop seeks to imbue media practitioners with a heightened awareness of the adverse consequences of corruption. Its core objective is to elevate the quality of media training and foster a more robust ideological foundation for corruption reporting. Olarenwaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, underscores the imperative nature of this training, particularly in the current climate where the media is viewed as the last bastion against politically exposed individuals engaged in corrupt practices. This training is envisioned to play a pivotal role in stabilizing the political and economic landscape by harnessing the potential of print, electronic, and social media to combat corruption effectively. Similarly, Adewale Adeoye, the Executive Director of JODER, emphasizes the need for a well-structured anti-corruption network within the media industry and underscores the absence of a robust mechanism for following up on critical corruption cases. It is against this backdrop that these two organizations have come together to organize this timely and essential media training on corruption reporting for Nigerian journalists.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), prominent Civil Society Organization, strongly condemns the recent decision by the National Assembly to purchase expensive luxury Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for its 469 members. In a statement issued by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group emphasizes that the acquisition of these vehicles not only violates the prescribed compensation structure for lawmakers outlined by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) but also signifies a misallocation of limited national resources that could be more judiciously directed towards human development and the nation’s progress. Suraju further underlines that Section 84 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution confers upon RMAFC the responsibility to establish the salaries and allowances of public officeholders, including members of the National Assembly. The Constitution explicitly states, “There shall be paid to the holders of the offices mentioned in this section such remuneration, salaries, and allowances as may be prescribed by the National Assembly, but not exceeding the amount as shall have been determined by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.” To fulfill this mandate, the RMAFC discloses the details of the remuneration package for political, public, and judicial officeholders. Notably, the last list published in 2007 indicated that members of the National Assembly were entitled to an optional car loan that should not surpass 400 percent of their annual basic salaries, as opposed to the procurement of operational vehicles. “For instance, a senator’s annual basic salary is N2.02 million, which entitles them to a car loan not exceeding N8.1 million (400 percent of their basic salary). Similarly, a member of the House of Representatives, with an annual basic salary of N1.9 million, can secure a car loan not exceeding N7.9 million.” “Unfortunately, the 10th National Assembly has departed from these guidelines by opting to acquire luxury vehicles for “legislative oversight.” This decision has been widely criticized by many Nigerians who perceive it as out of touch with the country’s challenging economic circumstances. In defiance of constitutional provisions, the National Assembly has consistently set allowances above the limits prescribed by the RMFAC. For instance, in July, the Senate disbursed N2 million to each member as recess allowance, exceeding the 10 percent of annual basic salary recommended by law. “This pattern of extravagant expenditure extends beyond vehicle acquisitions. In 2015, the Senate spent N4.7 billion on cars for its members, diverting funds that could have been allocated to critical sectors like healthcare and infrastructure development.” He added. “The decision to purchase foreign brands has also drawn criticism from Nigerians, who contend that supporting local automobile manufacturers could invigorate the domestic economy. Local brands have produced high-end vehicles, including SUVs, and have extended offers to the lawmakers. Regrettably, these proposals were overlooked.” “We call upon the National Assembly to reconsider this decision and allocate resources in a manner that best serves the interests of the Nigerian people, particularly during a period when prudent financial management and economic growth are of paramount importance.” HEDA emphasizes that lawmakers’ proclivity for luxury vehicles runs counter to Nigeria’s economic realities and the pressing need for reduced governance costs.