Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on Nigerians to shun activities capable of destroying the environment. The advice was given during an enlightenment programme in Orile-Agege and Agboyi Ketu communities in Lagos State, organised by African Activists for Climate Change Justice (AACJ), in partnership with OXFAM. Speaking with newsmen, HEDA’s programme consultant, Sina Odungbemi, urged citizens to realise that there is a sharp change in environmental chemistry as a result of climate change. “Those, who are versed in science, will tell us that there are chemical reactions that are as a result of activities of man generally, and these activities are capable of creating threats to the climate. For example, in some areas, there is a glacier dam play of water. Water is flooding some parts of the world. In some parts of the world, there is shortage of water. All these things are as a result of activities of human beings,” he said. Odungbemi counselled that citizens should be conscious of the way they treat their environment, stating: “If you pollute your environment, you are going to live in a polluted environment, if you downgrade your environment, you are going to live in a downgraded environment.” Funmi Jola Ajayi of the Community Women Initiative advised communities to keep their surroundings clean and avoid disposing their waste in drainages. She urged citizens to always abide by extant environmental laws. Besides, an actor, Kayode Olasehinde (popularly known as Pa James), pleaded with communities to make their environment neat to contain disasters. The Alayige of Orile-Agege Kingdom, Oba Alayeluwa Ambaliu Hakeem Agbedeyi II, applauded the organisation for the sensitization, imploring the settlement to promote cleanliness.

 The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) and its partners recently convened the Future of Energy Conference (FEC) on October 24th and 25th, 2023, in Accra, Ghana. With the theme, “Resource Abundance, Sustainable Choices and Innovation: Shaping Africa’s Energy Landscape,” the conference served as a vital gathering for key stakeholders from governments, multilateral institutions, the business community, academia, development agencies, and Civil Society Organizations. Together, they engaged in constructive dialogues on Africa’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. During the opening remarks, Mr. Charles Nyirahuku, Chief Gas Officer at the African Development Bank (AfDB) and representative of the African Natural Resource and Investment Centre, underscored Africa’s significant reserves of critical minerals and its pivotal role in the cleaner energy transition. He reaffirmed AfDB’s commitment to supporting this transition with a focus on inclusivity. Mr. Nyirahuku highlighted initiatives like the Africa Green Minerals Strategy and notable investments in renewable energy in countries such as Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa as essential steps toward achieving sustainable energy solutions. The guest speaker, Mr. William Owuraku Aidoo, Deputy Energy Minister, acknowledged Africa’s vulnerability to climate change and emphasized its crucial role in the global energy transition. He urged the continent to harness its abundant resources for the development of renewable energy. Mr. Aidoo pointed to Ghana’s National Energy Transition Framework (NETF), introduced in 2022, which is geared towards decarbonization and possibly incorporating nuclear power into the country’s energy mix. His speech emphasized the continuing significance of natural gas and explored the integration of nuclear energy as part of the transition strategy. The conference featured five thought-provoking panel sessions, each comprising a keynote presentation on the central theme, with a moderator and a panel of experts. The Future of Energy Conference provided invaluable insights and actionable strategies for Africa’s energy transition. It emphasized the pressing need for urgency, agency, and active global participation in the shift towards cleaner energy sources. The information shared by the speakers underscored the urgency of addressing issues like methane emissions and enhancing transparency and diversification within the energy sector. This underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among governments, regulators, and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions for reducing carbon emissions. By embracing innovative ideas and adhering to clear guidelines, we can collectively pave the way for a greener and more sustainable energy future that benefits our planet and its inhabitants.

After a rigorous selection process, the winners of the 2023 Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards have been determined through public voting. The 20 nominees, carefully shortlisted across the four award categories, have demonstrated remarkable impact and integrity. These categories include Outstanding Impact, Outstanding Integrity, Valuable Whistle-Blower, and Nigeria-In-Diaspora. In June, the organization initiated the sixth edition of the annual awards, soliciting public nominations that resulted in an impressive 312 entries. Following a thorough screening process conducted by HEDA, the final 20 nominees were presented for public voting. The primary aim of the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards, as emphasized by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, is to catalyze a transformation in public perceptions of corruption-related issues and to celebrate individuals who consistently exhibit outstanding impact and integrity, even in the face of challenging circumstances. The public voting period spanned six weeks, commencing on September 25, 2023, and concluding on October 20, 2023. The winners and runners-up in each category will be officially unveiled and presented to the public during the grand 6th edition of the awards ceremony, scheduled for December 10, 2023, in Lagos.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a preeminent civil society organization dedicated to the fight against corruption in Nigeria, has celebrated a significant victory for the nation at London’s High Court, as it successfully overturned an astonishing $11 billion damages bill associated with a corrupt collapsed gas project. In a statement released by HEDA, the organisation’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, described the victory as a triumphant moment for Nigeria and its citizens, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, saying the accomplishment signals a crucial milestone in the ongoing struggle against economic malpractice and the exploitation of African nations by international briefcase companies and citizens. “We at HEDA Resource Centre want to fervently applaud the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and safeguarding the interests of its people. The outcome in London legal action serves as a testament to the tireless efforts invested in protecting Nigeria’s financial stability and international reputation by the EFCC, particularly under the Chairmanship of its former Chairman, Ibrahim Magu.” “This legal victory underscores the resilience of some committed Nigerians and institutions in the face of adversity and sets a precedent for holding accountable those who seek to take advantage of African resources, system and corrupt public officials.” Suraju added. The roots of this legal dispute trace back to a demand that Africa’s most populous country pay an exorbitant $11 billion sum, equivalent to approximately one-third of its foreign exchange reserves, to Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID), a shelf company domiciled in the British Virgin Islands. Nigeria promptly contested this demand, asserting that P&ID had engaged in corrupt practices by bribing senior officials to secure the contract and had further compromised the country’s legal representation to access confidential documents during the arbitration process. In response, P&ID vehemently denied these allegations and instead accused Nigeria of systemic incompetence. In a groundbreaking judgment, Judge Robin Knowles of the London’s High Court uncovered evidence of bribery involving a Nigerian oil ministry official in connection with the gas contract signed in 2010. P&ID had failed to disclose this corrupt practice during the arbitration proceedings. Judge Knowles expressed his stern disapproval of the actions of certain individuals driven by greed, who were willing to employ corruption without concern for the harm it would cause to others. Suraju also maintained that the EFCC should sustain its prosecution of all those Nigerians, public officials, and private professionals, in cahoots with P&ID in the criminal conspiracy against the interest of the country for not only financial crimes but also economic sabotage. For leading the torturous and successful fight, in the face of local and international pressure, the former Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu should be awarded a national honour by President Bola Tinubu.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) joins forces at the 2023 Annual Partners Meeting and community of practice, organized under the Extractive Industry and Climate Change Governance Fund managed by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) to  foster dialogue and share insights among partners, aiming to find innovative solutions to address critical issues within the fund’s focus area and the broader resources sector. The two-day meeting held in Ghana’s capital, Accra, attended by organizations under the fund, provided a valuable platform for the exchange of ideas, discussions on key issues, and the sharing of lessons learned from projects undertaken under the fund or recently completed. HEDA, represented by its Legal and Acting Program Manager, David Ogungbesan, and Legal and Program Liaison Officer, Cecilia Ogwuche, joined other esteemed organizations, including the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), Global Rights, Institute for Energy Security, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Centre for Extractives and Development (CEDA), and several other partner organizations. Delivering a presentation on behalf of the civil society organisation, David reported on HEDA’s recent project funded by the Extractive Industry and Climate Change Governance Fund, titled “Assessment of 2021 Petroleum Licensing Round for Marginal Fields in Nigeria and Stakeholders Engagement.” Under this project, HEDA had engaged leading experts in the extractive sector to conduct a comprehensive research and assessment of the 2021 marginal field bidding process. The findings of that assessment were validated during an expert meeting, and the subsequent report was published under the title, “Spotlighting the Oil and Gas: A Review of the 2020/2021 Marginal Fields Bid Licensing Round in Nigeria.” Meanwhile, following the public presentation of the report on June 26, 2023, HEDA held scheduled consultations with various state actors, including the Ministry of Environment, NOSDRA, NESREA, NUPRC, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). These engagements resulted in commitments and assurances that the study’s findings would serve as the foundation for policy reforms and the effective enforcement of best practices in the extractive sector. HEDA emphasized the importance of building upon the project’s findings, particularly with regards to investigating corruption and financial kickbacks during the marginal field bidding process, as well as monitoring the exploration of the awarded marginal fields and their impact on the environment. The organisation further commended the efforts of NUPRC under the Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe for his reform oriented leadership and more importantly, the ongoing enforcement of the metering process of oil exploitation and export by the extractive companies. The meeting concluded with a presentation by ACEP, emphasizing the need for all partners to responsibly utilize funds in accordance with the project’s principles and to ensure transparent reporting and accountability. HEDA expressed its sincere appreciation to ACEP for providing funds and resources to partner organizations, enabling engagement in the extractive sector and the promotion of climate justice. This collaboration is vital in addressing the challenges faced in the extractive industry and working toward sustainable solutions for the benefit of all stakeholders.

In collaboration with the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (Oxfam), under the African Activities for Climate Justice (AACJ) project, HEDA Resource Centre had an extensive two-day community outreach program aimed at raising awareness about climate change in Benue State. The organization successfully wrapped up this crucial initiative with an advocacy meeting hosted at the Ministry of Agriculture, presided over by Commissioner Prof. Moses Ogbaji. Commissioner Prof. Ogbaji expressed his sincere appreciation for HEDA’s unwavering dedication to this cause, particularly in rural areas where communities bear the brunt of severe climate change impacts, including floods and other hardships. Meanwhile,  prior meeting with the commissioner, HEDA diligently visited various communities spanning different local government areas within the state. HEDA primary objective was to educate residents about the consequences of climate change and shed light on how people inadvertently contribute to this pressing issue. Drawing from their extensive experience and research, HEDA recommends a range of solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change. These include the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices such as cultivating drought-resistant crops, efficient water management, & agroforestry. Additionally, we also urged them on the implementation of community-based programs … designed to enhance resilience to climate change, encompassing flood mitigation measures and early warning systems. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as well as the promotion of efficient waste management and recycling systems to decrease environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Reforestation and afforestation efforts are also encouraged. Meanwhile, as part of the community outreach for climate change, HEDA visited various locations including the Abwa Community Market Square in Abwa Community along the Makurdi-Gboko road in Markurdi Local Government, Chief Msughter Lonumbe Compound in Tsiee Community, Buruku Local Government, and NKST Primary School in Kuwa, Agboughul community, Makurdi Local Government Area. By implementing these solutions, communities in Benue State can strive towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future, effectively mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

In a bid to tackle high-profile corruption cases in Nigeria and recover stolen funds and properties abroad, the International Anti-Corruption Court (IACC) has been hailed as a game-changer by various stakeholders, including the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA). These stakeholders spoke at the 33rd Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR), organized by HEDA in collaboration with the Integrity Initiative International (III), held in Abuja, on Tuesday. Delivering his address, the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, asserted that Nigeria has been grappling with the debilitating effects of corruption for decades, stressing that it was a challenge that had permeated various facets of the Nigerian society The AGF who was represented by the Deputy Director Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Yusuf Abdullahi Abdulkadir, said the establishment of this court is expected to be a significant step towards curbing the pervasive corruption that has plagued the country for years. He said: “In recent years, the fight against corruption has taken center stage in international discourse. Corruption, in all its forms, poses a grave threat to the stability, progress, and development of nations around the world. It undermines trust in governments, weakens institutions, hampers economic growth, and perpetuates social injustice. It is a cancer that knows no boundaries, affecting both developed and developing countries alike. “To effectively combat corruption on a global scale, we have witnessed the emergence and evolution of various international anti-corruption mechanisms and frameworks. These mechanisms serve as crucial tools in our collective effort to eradicate corruption, and they include conventions such as the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and regional initiatives like the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. “While these mechanisms have undeniably made significant strides in the battle against corruption, the growing advocacy for the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court (IACC) demands our serious consideration. The idea of an IACC represents a paradigm shift in our approach to combating corruption at the international level. “An IACC would provide a specialized forum for addressing high-level corruption cases that often cross national borders and involve powerful individuals and entities. It would aim to ensure that those responsible for corrupt acts, regardless of their position or nationality, are held accountable for their actions. This would send a powerful message that corruption will not be tolerated anywhere in the world.” On his part, HEDA Chairman, Mr. Olanrenwaju Suraju, said Nigeria has long been grappling with endemic corruption, crippling the nation’s development and causing severe economic hardship for its citizens. He expressed his support for the initiative, stating that an external institution would provide an unbiased platform for swift and fair trials. He emphasized that the establishment of an IACC would send a strong message that Nigeria is committed to combating corruption at all levels. “The International anti-corruption court and other initiatives will assess to prevent the prevailing high-level corruption that is resulting in not just to countries but even individual pockets, billions of dollars that could have been used to provide basic amenities, supports and services to people and also prevent the prevailing cases of insecurity across the world”, he said.

A former Prime Minister of Senegal and anti-corruption activist, Mrs Aminata Toure, has urged the Nigerian government to lead the push for global anti-corruption courts through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to try money laundering and illicit financial flows (IFFs). She made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the 33rd Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) multi-stakeholder conference, organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Foundation Integrity Initiative International (III) and MacArthur Foundation, themed, ‘International Mechanisms and the Fight Against Corruption’. Toure, who served as Senegal’s prime minister from September 2013 to July 2014, said if Nigeria and other African countries want to fight corruption, they should enlist the cooperation of UN member countries. She said, “Member countries need to mobilise the needed resources for the anti-corruption court at the ECOWAS level while each country maintains its existing anti-corruption mechanism at the local level.” Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, Olanrewaju Suraju, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to get the buy-in of countries at the regional, continental, and global levels for effective delivery of the International Anti-Corruption Court (IACC).

The pressing need for the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court has emerged as a promising solution to combat corruption within Nigeria’s public sector and address illicit financial flows on a global scale. This call to action was passionately conveyed by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) during a recent anti-corruption radio program in Abuja. HEDA’s Legal Officer, David Ogungbesan, emphasized the significance of establishing an international anti-corruption court. He underscored that such a court is crucial in enhancing the prosecution of corrupt individuals and urged Nigerians to rally behind this advocacy. Ogungbesan stressed that the existence of an international court dedicated to combating corruption would serve as a deterrent for public officials engaged in corrupt practices, thereby assisting local law enforcement agencies and improving the overall administration of justice in the country. Furthermore, he pointed out that it offers an opportunity for Nigeria and other nations to collaborate internationally in their efforts to curb corruption. “The consequences of corruption on Nigerian society are evident to all. We believe that prosecution is a vital measure to prevent corruption. The establishment of an international anti-corruption court will complement the efforts of local law enforcement agencies and address the injustices in the system. It provides a platform for Nigeria and other countries to collectively combat illicit financial flows without conflicting with their domestic legal systems,” he emphasized. Ogungbesan disclosed that not only the former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari but also more than 100 world leaders have expressed their support for the creation of an international court dedicated to prosecuting corruption. He acknowledged that there might be challenges in establishing such a court but encouraged citizens to hold their leaders accountable and embrace the initiative for its numerous benefits. “The public needs to take this advocacy seriously, engaging their representatives and endorsing this idea,” Ogungbesan urged. Adding her perspective, Dabotonye Dappa, a Programme Officer at the West African Bar Association, also urged Nigerians to support the initiative for a specialized court focused on prosecuting corruption. She highlighted the issues of judicial independence and the lack of political will among leaders as significant challenges in the fight against corruption. “In addressing the lack of political will, the judiciary plays a pivotal role. Therefore, we advocate for a truly independent judiciary, free from external influence. When it comes to combating corruption, our recourse is often through the courts. If we have judges who are influenced by the very corrupt individuals we are fighting against, we find ourselves back at square one,” Dappa emphasized. The “PUBLIC CONSCIENCE” radio program is a syndicated weekly initiative employed by PRIMORG to draw the attention of both the government and citizens to corruption and integrity issues in Nigeria. The program is made possible with the support of the MacArthur Foundation.

In a resolute effort to combat corruption and promote transparency in Nigeria, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) embarked on a crucial advocacy visit to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The visit, led by Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of HEDA, aimed to establish a collaborative effort between the anti-corruption group and UNODC to bolster the fight against corruption. The HEDA delegation presented meticulously crafted policy briefs, stemming from the Two-Day Anti-Corruption Conference held in July, along with other extensive research conducted by the organization. The proposed partnership between HEDA and UNODC aims to engage a diverse range of stakeholders in the fight against corruption and actively consider the recommendations contained within the policy briefs. During the visit, Suraju, emphasized the depth of research and the careful crafting of the policy briefs. These comprehensive documents were organized into five distinct sections, each addressing critical sectors: Anti-Corruption and Law Enforcement Agencies, the Media and Civil Society Organizations, the Presidency and Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigerian Judiciary, and the Parliament; stressed the need to address emerging issues, foster public discourse, and stimulate debates based on the content of these briefs. He further underlined the importance of enhanced coordination and oversight of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies in the execution of their duties, a facet that has often been lacking and entangled in political considerations. Discussions during the visit covered a wide array of significant topics. These included the discussion of the Proceeds Of Crime (Recovery And Management) Act, 2022, challenges faced by anti-corruption agencies and the Judiciary, and the role of the Ministry of Justice in supervising asset recovery processes. The anti-corruption advocate also expressed concerns regarding the involvement of the previous administration in asset recovery management for personal interests, which had compromised transparency and accountability in the fight against financial crimes. The Country Director of UNODC, Dr. Oliver Stolpe, acknowledged HEDA’s unwavering dedication to combating corruption. He highlighted concerns about the current state of the system and emphasized the potential for transformation under the leadership of a committed Chief Justice capable of driving judicial reforms. Dr. Stolpe also commended the Jigawa State Judicial Service Commission for its recruitment processes and its willingness to collaborate with UNODC on codifications. In the context of the National Assembly, he addressed past challenges in establishing a working relationship and the difficulties faced, even with supportive individuals identified within the parliament. HEDA ‘s advocacy visit to UNODC represents a pivotal step in the ongoing battle against corruption in Nigeria. The presentation of meticulously researched policy briefs and the productive discussions with UNODC representatives underscore a shared commitment to combating corruption and promoting accountability in the nation. The collaboration between HEDA and UNODC offers hope for a future marked by transparency and responsible governance.  UNODC has pledged to review the policy briefs and further engage with HEDA on strategies for promoting these recommendations. UNODC is also set to extend an invitation to HEDA, as a member of the steering committee, to participate in the implementation of its engagement with the National Bureau of Statistics, a vital step towards organizing an anti-corruption summit. The visit was attended by key figures from UNODC, including Country Director Oliver Stolpe, Coordinator of the Anti-Corruption Unit, Princess Chifero, and Head of the Integrity and Health Department, Muchaneta Mundopa. HEDA’s delegation include; Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, Legal Officer Cecilia Ogwuche, and Tonye Dapa, Program Officer of the West African Bar Association.