Accountability - HEDA Resource Centre

Corruption: HEDA Welcomes Arrest Order for Ex-Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq, Demands Swift Justice, Recalls Earlier Call for Probe

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has welcomed the decision of the Federal High Court ordering the arrest of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and a Permanent Secretary, Bashir Nura Alkali, over alleged fraud involving $1.3 million and N746.6 million. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation described the development as a major step toward strengthening accountability in Nigeria’s public sector, particularly in agencies responsible for social welfare and intervention programmes. The arrest warrant issued by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie followed the failure of the defendants to appear in court to answer to a 21-count charge bordering on alleged breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds, as filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The organisation recalled that in January 2024, it had raised concerns and called for a swift probe and thorough investigation into N37.1 billion fraud allegations and financial irregularities linked to the former minister during her tenure. “HEDA has long advocated for a comprehensive probe into allegations surrounding the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under the leadership of the former minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq. This development reinforces the importance of sustained civic vigilance and institutional accountability,” Suraju maintained The anti-corruption organisation maintained that the alleged diversion of funds meant for vulnerable Nigerians represents a grave breach of public trust and underscores systemic challenges in the management of social intervention programmes. HEDA, therefore, called on the EFCC and relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure the immediate execution of the court’s order and guarantee that the defendants are brought before the court without further delay. It also urged that the prosecution of the case be conducted diligently, transparently, and without interference. Suraju further warned that the case must not be allowed to suffer the fate of prolonged trials or be undermined by procedural delays, noting that justice must be both swift and seen to be served. “HEDA is counting on the judiciary to remain firm and impartial throughout the proceedings, ensuring that the rule of law prevails irrespective of the status of the individuals involved.” Reaffirming its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, the group stressed that recovering any misappropriated funds and ensuring justice in this matter will send a strong signal that corruption in public office will no longer be tolerated.

April 24, 2026April 24, 2026 By Nurudeen Salako 0

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap

HEDA News

HEDA Commends NIS for Swift Action on Alleged Border Extortion, Calls for Transparent Investigation and Public Accountability

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for its prompt response to allegations of widespread extortion along the Lagos-Seme border corridor, describing the action as a critical step toward restoring public confidence in the agency. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation particularly lauded the Comptroller General of the NIS, Kemi Nandap, for suspending the affected comptrollers and ordering a comprehensive investigation into the reported misconduct. According to the group, such decisive measures send a strong signal that corruption and abuse of office will not be tolerated within the Service. HEDA, however, stressed that beyond the commendable initial steps, it is imperative that the ongoing investigation is pursued diligently, transparently, and brought to a logical conclusion. The organisation urged the NIS to ensure that the findings of the probe are made public and that all officers found culpable are held accountable in accordance with the law. “The decision to suspend officers and initiate an investigation is a welcome development. However, Nigerians have witnessed similar actions in the past that failed to yield concrete outcomes. It is therefore crucial that this investigation is not only thorough but also transparent, with periodic updates provided to the public.” Suraju stated. The anti-corruption organisation emphasized that extortion at border points undermines Nigeria’s integrity, discourages lawful trade and travel, and erodes citizens’ trust in public institutions. HEDA called on the NIS to strengthen its internal monitoring systems and ensure that its accountability mechanisms are not only reactive but preventive. The group also encouraged members of the public to take advantage of the official reporting channels provided by the NIS to report incidents of misconduct, noting that citizen participation is vital in the fight against corruption. Reaffirming its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in public institutions, HEDA urged the NIS to use this opportunity to set a new standard for institutional integrity by ensuring that justice is served and seen to be served.

April 13, 2026April 13, 2026 By Nurudeen Salako 0

Accountability HEDA News

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

HEDA News

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