The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has reacted to the Federal House of Representatives members’ decision to reduce their salaries by 50% for six months. While acknowledging this as a step in the right direction, the civil society organization calls for more substantial actions from all political office holders and lawmakers to address the severe economic challenges faced by Nigerians through prudent management of resource and reduction in the cost of governance. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the organization emphasized that lawmakers must focus on comprehensive measures within their constitutional powers to ease the economic burden on Nigerians. He said, “The rising cost of living is a result of broader economic policies and a lack of accountability from various agencies, arms, tiers of government. While the salary reduction is symbolic, it does not significantly impact the overall Gross Domestic Product or the soaring prices of essential commodities. Nigerians need to see tangible policies and programs resulting in reduced cost of living and improved service delivery,” According to Suraju, “The salary cut by the House of Representatives is a commendable gesture, but it is far from sufficient in the face of current hardship. The senate, houses of assembly, presidency, governors, and local governments’ are required to equally follow with austere measures in the recurrent account balance sheet of governance. We urge a 50% reduction in these allowances across board, not just for six months, but until the economy shows real improvement.” HEDA also said, “Implementing the recommendations of the Oronsaye Report, which includes reducing the number of ministries, advisers, and ministers, should be a priority. This holistic approach to reducing the cost of governance is essential for meaningful economic relief.” The civil group stressed the need for lawmakers to use their constitutional powers to adopt more impact measures that go beyond salary reductions. HEDA remains committed to advocating for good governance, accountability, and transparency to ensure sustainable development in Nigeria.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has applauded the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its recent landmark judgement asserting the financial autonomy to the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country. This decision mandates the Federal Government to directly disburse federal allocations to LGAs, bypassing states governments’ joint accounts. In a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel of justices of the Court, the Supreme Court barred governors of the 36 states from receiving, withholding, tampering with, or utilizing funds allocated to local governments. This historic ruling marks a significant victory for good governance and the Nigerian people, promising enhanced sustainable and grassroots development. HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju hailed the judgement as a triumph for democracy and a crucial step towards improving governance at the local level. He emphasized that local government autonomy in practice is essential for effective resource management and the delivery of services that directly benefit the masses. “The Supreme Court, as a policy court, has made a decision that is fundamental to rule of law and beneficial for the society. While some may view this as interference in affairs of States, it is, in fact, a necessary intervention to address longstanding issues resource mismanagement, disappearance of local government, absence primary social services (primary health care, education, markets, roads etc) across the country resulting in insecurity, kidnappings, and banditry. Granting autonomy to local governments is the beginning of real solutions,” Suraju stated. HEDA also commends the Federal Government, through the Attorney-General of the Federation, for instituting the action to strengthen the autonomy of local governments as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. The suit sought to stop Governors from unilaterally dissolving democratically elected local government officials and establishing caretaker committees, actions that violate constitutional provisions. Suraju stressed that with local governments in control and administration of their funds, there should be better social activities and developments within local communities. He called on state governments to limit their supervision to ensuring accountability and transparency in the utilization of the federal allocations by local government official to prevent misappropriation, corruption, and governance setbacks. HEDA also urged citizens to take active roles in holding their local government councils accountable. With greater access to resources, it is crucial for communities to demand transparency and good governance, ensuring that funds are used judiciously for their intended purposes. This judgement represents a significant step towards fostering good governance and accountability at the grassroots level, and HEDA remains committed to supporting these efforts for the benefit of all Nigerians.

The Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been asked to adopt stiffer measures in the fight against corruption in order to uplift the country from her current poor global rating. At the end of the 36th Anti-Corruption Situation Room held in Abuja, participants at the one day forum organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda, (HEDA Resource Centre) said the latest score of anti-corruption in Nigeria is a meagre 25 percent which falls below global standards. The national forum was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) with the support of MacArthur Foundation. As part of the demand, participants said President Tinubu needs courage and political will to diminish favouritism, promote the rule of law, lead the moral compass against corruption and abuse of office in order to lift Nigeria to a higher level of integrity, dignity, transparency, and respect in the comity of nations. In welcoming the stakeholders, the Chairman, HEDA Resource Centre Mr Olanrewaju Suraju said the organisation will continue to lead the campaign against corruption to safe the country from dishonour and its citizens from misery and underdevelopment. He said in every country, corruption is known to be a threat to prosperity and the greatest good of the greatest number of people. Suraju said “In Nigeria, corruption remains a cankerworm that stunts socio-economic growth, creates poverty, fuels instability and leads to human misery.” He said efforts against corruption in Nigeria, including in the last one year of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are acknowledged, but a striking, radical break from the past is yet to be seen. In their goodwill messages delivered at the forum, the Director of MacArthur foundation, Dr. Kole Shettima charged stakeholders to sustain engagement in the fight against corruption for the good of all and provide room for vulnerable groups to lend their voices. The representatives of EFCC Chairman, the DG of National Orientation Agency, and the Inspector General of Police all promised improved collaboration with stakeholders in collective fight against public and private corruption. In his Chairman’s remarks, Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Kayode Oladele advocate the use of federal character principles to address the imbalances and grievances in the country. In his lead presentation, Professor Adele Jinadu warned that corruption destroys the fabric of a nation and stunts growth and prosperity. In the communique issued at the end of the one-day historic event, the participants said democratic institutions in Nigeria are not strong enough to withstand the whirlwind of manipulations and undue influences from politically exposed persons. The forum noted that corruption is not inseparable from electoral integrity, independent candidacy, voters’ empowerment to be able to recall wanting legislators while the enforcement of the right to information is given. The forum observed that “the judiciary remains weak and overburdened, characterised by delays and sometimes frivolous injunctions and adjournments in corruption trial.” It added that available cases of convictions by the anti-corruption institutions compared with petitions received and their investigations undermine effective output. For instance, in 2022, the EFCC received 73,948 petitions, 39,970 were investigated, 5,777 cases taken to court with only 2, 544 convictions. It noted the exploitation of sections of the constitution especially in instances where issues of fundamental rights are raised by defendants which often delay procedures and offend timely dispensation of justice. The communique also observed that manpower training and technology deficiencies in the judiciary and anti-corruption institutions which affect optimum performance. It called for the need to rethink the approach to anti-corruption prosecution in Nigeria which should embrace mandate protection and also reengineer the attitude

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), will host its 36th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) Conference on July 10, 2024. This crucial event aims to assess the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures implemented during President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office. According to a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the forum builds upon the outcomes of the 30th ACSR held last July to set agenda for the Government. The 36th ACSR will scrutinize stakeholders, including the Federal Government and Anti-Corruption Agencies (ACAs), on the utilization of the five policy briefs formulated during the previous conference. These briefs outline targeted strategies aimed at combating corruption across sectors such as the judiciary, presidency, Ministry of Justice, media, civil society organizations, and the National Assembly. Suraju highlighted significant restructuring within ACAs since the dissemination of these policy briefs in July 2023. These changes aim to bolster operational efficiency and fortify against external threats. However, broader implementation across other arms and stakeholders remains unimpressive, with persistent challenges in investigating and prosecuting high-profile corruption cases. The forum will feature a keynote address by Barrister Femi Falana SAN on “Assessing the Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Measures under the Tinubu Administration: Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions.” This session will provide a critical platform for stakeholders to share insights on progress made, challenges encountered, and future strategies to strengthen anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria. By reviewing the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures, HEDA Resource Centre and UNODC aim to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country. The 36th ACSR forum underscores commitment to fostering these values through rigorous evaluation and strategic discussion.

HEDA Resource Centre is set to hold the July edition of its monthly advocacy series, “Chatting with HEDA,” on X-Space. The virtual program is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 3:00 PM WAT and will focus on the critical issue of food security in Nigeria. This month’s topic, “Nigeria’s Food Crisis: The Ticking Time Bomb for National Security,” will delve into the implications of food insecurity on national stability and security. The discussion aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in combating Nigeria’s food crisis. Ambassador Adeniyi Sola Bunmi, Founder and CEO of Gogreen Africa Initiative, will be the guest speaker. His extensive experience and expertise will offer valuable perspectives to attendees, enriching the conversation and inspiring meaningful discussions on the future of food security in Nigeria. The “Chatting with HEDA” X-Space series serves as a platform for open dialogue and the exchange of ideas on pressing societal issues. This month’s discussion is particularly relevant as it explores pathways to mitigate the looming food crisis and its potential impact on national security. The event is open to the public, and HEDA encourages active participation from attendees. This is an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue and explore innovative solutions to enhance efforts in ensuring food security. HEDA looks forward to welcoming participants to this important event and continuing the conversation on Nigeria’s food crisis.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre recently paid a strategic courtesy visit to Bond FM 92.9, a leading radio station in Lagos, to foster collaboration in promoting good governance, anti-corruption initiatives, environmental justice, and human rights. HEDA delegation led by Mr. Sina Odugbemi, Program Consultant at HEDA, included Mr. Nurudeen Salako, Communication Officer, and Mrs. Barakah Danmole, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Compliance Officer. They were received by Mrs. Princess Adenike Adejoke, General Manager of Bond FM, and her management team. The visit aimed to strengthen media relations and explore opportunities for collaboration. HEDA showcased its key projects, including the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards, corruption case compendium, and investigative journalism training programs. The organization sought Bond FM’s support in amplifying its anti-corruption messages and toll-free line. Bond FM expressed its commitment to supporting HEDA’s initiatives, promising to air its anti-corruption jingles and toll-free line. The radio station also invited HEDA to participate in its current affairs program, “Oju se Tani” (Whose Responsibility Is It?), to educate the public on corruption, good governance, and environmental protection. The visit highlights HEDA’s efforts to engage media partners in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development in Nigeria. By fostering collaboration with Bond FM, HEDA aims to amplify its impact and drive positive change in the country.

HEDA Resource Centre Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, has called for a national consensus to protect Nigeria’s rainforests, warning that the country’s food system, culture, and security are under threat. Speaking on a radio program, Arigbabu emphasized the importance of rainforests, stating that they are not only crucial for Nigeria and Africa but also for the world. He lamented that Nigeria is losing approximately 4% of its forest land annually, equivalent to 350,000-400,000 hectares over the past 24 years. The environmentalist attributed the deforestation to a lack of appreciation and mindfulness, citing government corruption, impunity, and the involvement of foreign entities. He therefore urged the government to declare a state of emergency and provide alternatives to meet the survival needs of citizens, such as gas and other energy sources. He also stressed that protecting the rainforest is essential for preserving soil quality, maintaining the water cycle, regulating climate, and conserving genetic diversity. He emphasized that the government’s efforts to combat oil theft and COVID-19 should be matched by efforts to protect the forest and avert endangering Nigeria’s food systems. Arigbabu’s call to action includes a national resolve involving the government, states, local governments, communities, and religious bodies to protect the rainforest heritage. He emphasized that the role of man as a custodian and preserver of the environment is clearly stated in all faiths, and it is time for Nigeria to take responsibility for its rainforest heritage.

The Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre have appealed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Lagos which struck out its suit seeking to stop the construction of new base stations. The court on June 21 struck out Heda’s application seeking to bar the Federal Ministry of Environment, ATC Nigeria Wireless Infrastructure Limited and MTN Communications Plc from going ahead with the planned construction of new base stations near existing sites operated by other infrastructure operators. HEDA Resource Centre, in a statement by its Executive Director, Olanrewaju Suraju, said the verdict was very odd and inconsistent with the court’s earlier position that the plaintiff had a cause of action in the preliminary objection brought by MTN on the same facts. It believes that reaching conflicting conclusions on two similar applications makes an appeal against the decision of Justice Yelim Bogoro necessary. “We see this decision of the Federal High Court as very odd and inconsistent with the law. The reason is the fact that the same trial judge had admitted that there was a cause of action on the earlier application on the same set of facts brought by the fifth respondent, MTN.” Suraju said. He added, “The court, in another application by the fourth respondent (ATC), which came much later, also affirmed the fact that HEDA Resource Centre had a cause of action. It is strange to us that His Lordship suddenly shifted his earlier position by saying there was no cause of action when nothing material has changed.” According to HEDA, the judgment was suggestive that a cause of action would arise if permits are issued to the defendants (ATC and MTN) or they take steps toward building new base station sites. It said the ruling was also supportive of the Federal Ministry of Environment’s position that its action should not be the basis of the suit. HEDA maintained that the ministry’s role as a critical agency responsible for ensuring a safe, livable environment could not be downplayed. The group added: “It is interesting to read narratives in the media that we are acting as a proxy for IHS. We are an independent body and anyone can check our history of advocacy, including our history with MTN Nigeria dating back many years.” Justice Bogoro in March dismissed two applications by ATC and MTN challenging the competence of the suit filed by HEDA Resource Centre. Suraju affirmed the organisation’s locus to file the case.

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), led by HEDA Resource Centre’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, has urgently called on the Chief Executive of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, to address critical issues surrounding the divestment of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and other International Oil Companies (IOCs) from onshore to offshore assets in the Niger Delta. During an advocacy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the CSOs emphasized the need for a responsible divestment process that prioritizes environmental remediation, community compensation, and robust oversight. They highlighted ongoing and historical issues such as environmental degradation, human rights violations, and unresolved grievances in communities affected by oil exploration by Shell and other IOCs. In response to the CSOs’ demands, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe acknowledged their concerns and detailed efforts to enhance transparency and stakeholder confidence through new regulations aligned with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). He outlined proactive measures, including combating oil theft, developing advanced cargo monitoring systems, raising funds for gas development, and ongoing carbon monetization initiatives. Engr. Komolafe reaffirmed NUPRC’s commitment to PIA compliance, focusing on technical and financial capacity, legal status, host community trust, and remediation funds, with support from two leading international consultants. Following the meeting, the CSOs, including Social Action, Policy Alert, and HOMEF, held a press conference to outline their concerns and demands. They called for an immediate halt to the divestment, citing over 1,000 stakeholder signatures opposing the process in the absence of proper safeguards. They also applauded the National Assembly’s resolution for NUPRC to withhold consent for IOC divestment and urged the commission to respect the views of the people, particularly those in affected communities. In conclusion, the CSOs view the proposed divestment of Shell’s onshore operations in the Niger Delta as a chance to tackle the region’s longstanding environmental and social issues. However, they noted that a rushed or poorly planned process risks squandering this opportunity. They are deeply concerned about the potential consequences if Shell’s divestment lacks a comprehensive framework prioritizing environmental remediation, social justice, and community participation. The historical and ongoing environmental degradation, human rights violations, and unresolved grievances in the Niger Delta highlight this urgency.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), for their steadfastness and resilience in securing justice in the case of Francis Atuche, the former Managing Director of Bank PHB Plc, convicted for a N25.7 billion fraud scheme. On Friday, 28th June 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a final verdict, upholding the conviction of Francis Atuche. In a unanimous decision, Justice M.A.A. Adumein ruled that Atuche failed to provide sufficient evidence to overturn his conviction, which was initially handed down by the trial court and subsequently affirmed by the Court of Appeal. This judgment brings to an end a protracted legal battle that spanned over 13 years. In a statement signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the anti-corruption group praised the EFCC’s legal team for their diligent prosecution of the case. “Despite the long road to justice, their consistency and resilience have ensured that justice was ultimately served. This victory is a significant milestone in the fight against corruption in Nigeria and serves as a deterrent to those who might consider engaging in financial crimes,” Suraju stated. HEDA emphasized the importance of the EFCC adopting the same rigorous approach to all its ongoing cases, adding that the commission’s consistent commitment and tenacity are essential in the pursuit of justice. Suraju further called on the EFCC and other anti-graft agencies to direct their attention to the Nigerian banking sector, urging them to investigate and prosecute instances of financial misappropriation and money laundering to the full extent of the law. “This will restore integrity to the sector and reinforce the message that corruption will not be tolerated,” he said. In conclusion, HEDA reiterated its support for the EFCC and its efforts in combating corruption. “We remain committed to working alongside all stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria,” Suraju affirmed.