Accountability - HEDA Resource Centre

Bodija Explosion: HEDA Drags Seyi Makinde to EFCC Over Alleged Diversion of ₦30bn Intervention Funds

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion, misapplication, and criminal breach of trust involving Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State Government following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan. In a petition signed by HEDA Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, and addressed to EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the civil society organisation alleged that the Federal Government released ₦30 billion to the Oyo State Government for victims’ compensation, reconstruction, and emergency relief after the deadly explosion that claimed lives and destroyed properties. HEDA noted that the release of the funds was first publicly alleged by former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, during a national television broadcast, and later reiterated in a statement on 28 December 2025. Fayose subsequently released documents, including a memo from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation dated 29 August 2024, which he claimed showed evidence of the fund release. According to the civil group, only about ₦4.5 billion intervention funds was reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the entire N30b was unaccounted for. The organisation further alleged that the fund was held in a commercial bank at interest for over a year without public disclosure by the Oyo State Government, leaving the utilisation and status of the funds unclear. “We at HEDA expressed concern that the state government had allegedly failed to provide transparent public disclosure or a comprehensive account of the total intervention funds received, how they were spent, and the status of any unspent balance.” “These allegations raise serious concerns bordering on corruption, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, criminal breach of trust, and possible money laundering, all of which fall within the statutory mandate of the EFCC.” Suraju added. While noting that Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution grants immunity from prosecution to a sitting governor, HEDA stressed that such immunity does not prevent investigations, particularly regarding public funds and accountability. HEDA therefore called on the EFCC to conduct a thorough, impartial, and professional investigation into the receipt, management, and utilisation of all Federal Government intervention funds released to Oyo State in connection with the January 2024 Ibadan explosion. The organisation said the petition was submitted in good faith and in the overriding public interest, urging the anti-graft agency to act urgently to uphold public confidence and accountability in the management of public resources.

January 21, 2026January 21, 2026 By Nurudeen Salako 0

Court Grants HEDA’s Application, Orders NNPC Limited to Disclose $3 Billion Afrexim Bank Crude-for-cash Loan

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCLtd) to supply information regarding the emergency $3 billion “crude-for-cash” loan obtained by the company from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to the applicant, HEDA Resource Centre. Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1631/2023, brought on behalf of HEDA by Barr. Seidu Mohammed, Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled in favour of HEDA’s request for an order of mandamus, directing NNPC Limited to provide detailed information about the loan. Specifically, the Court ordered NNPC Limited to disclose the anticipated benefits of the $3 billion crude oil loan to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited and the Nigerian economy as a whole, as well as the potential economic implications of the loan, encompassing both short-term and long-term effects on the Nigerian economy. The Court further ordered clarification on the specific oil grades or categories used in negotiating the loan exchange; the exchange rate applied under the terms of the agreement for crude oil repayment; and the quality of the oil being sold or used as collateral for the loan. The Court held that the information sought is simple and harmless, and that the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited has no valid reason to deny HEDA access to the information under the Freedom of Information Act. ‎“The Court does not agree that the disclosure of this simple information has the effect of harming any third-party interest in any way or affecting any contractual negotiation, most especially when there is nothing before the Court to show the harm it would cause.” ‎“Moreover, Section 15(4) of the FOI Act, assuming without conceding that disclosure has the capacity to harm any third-party interest, gives this Court the power to weigh the harm against the public interest.” ‎“The Court is of the view that, due to the nature of the transaction which has great economic impact on Nigerians, and the fact that the oil sector is the major backbone of the Nigerian economy, the Court cannot, in all honesty, decline the request of the applicant.” Reacting to the judgment, HEDA’s Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, described the decision as a major win for transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector of Nigeria. “The judgement marks another milestone in HEDA’s demand for financial and projects transparency in the NNPC Limited. It also sets a precedent for public access to information on government projects and loan agreements. We expect the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited to comply fully with the Court’s order and provide the required information in a timely manner.” HEDA also calls on all stakeholders, including the media and civil society organisations, to join in demanding accountability from public institutions and to support the fight against corruption and financial recklessness.

January 6, 2026January 6, 2026 By Nurudeen Salako