HEDA Demands EFCC Investigation into Non-Executed Contracts in Ondo Community

HEDA Demands EFCC Investigation into Non-Executed Contracts in Ondo Community

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute Gallet Nigeria Limited and Dredging Atlantic for failing to execute shoreline protection contracts in Ayetoro Community, Ondo State. In a petition to Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, EFCC Executive Chairman, HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, expressed concern over the worsening environmental and socio-economic crisis in the community. Oil exploration has caused significant land loss to Atlantic Ocean incursions, leaving many residents homeless and disrupting their livelihoods. In 2004, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) awarded a ₦2.5 billion contract to Gallet Nigeria Limited, with a ₦650 million mobilization fee, to address shoreline erosion. After four years of non-execution, the contract was terminated. It was re-awarded in 2009 to Dredging Atlantic for ₦6.5 billion, with a ₦2.5 billion mobilization fee, but the project remained incomplete. HEDA highlighted the devastating impact of these failed contracts on Ayetoro, including displacement of residents and worsening climate challenges. The organization warned that continued neglect poses a broader threat to Nigeria’s coastal communities, potentially leading to submersion of cities along the Atlantic coastline. The civil society group urged the anti-graft agency to thoroughly investigate Gallet Nigeria Limited and Dredging Atlantic, prosecute those responsible, and recover misappropriated funds to address the community’s needs. “This is a clear case of how corruption deprives communities of essential resources while compounding environmental and socio-economic hardships,” said Arigbabu. “The EFCC must act decisively to restore accountability and bring justice to Ayetoro Community.” HEDA commended the EFCC for its anti-corruption efforts and expressed hope for swift resolution, alleviation of Ayetoro residents’ suffering, and safeguarding of Nigeria’s coastal regions. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, public accountability, and environmental justice, urging stakeholders to protect Ayetoro Community and ensure a sustainable future.

January 20, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako 0

HEDA News

EFCC Chairman, Olukoyede Commends HEDA’s Anti-Corruption Efforts at 20th Anniversary

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) efforts in the fight against corruption, advocating for social justice, and the organization 23 years of impact in Nigeria were lauded by the Economic Financial and Crimes Commission’s Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede at the organization’s 20th anniversary celebration. Speaking as the guest speaker at the anniversary lecture themed “Navigating the Nexus of Anticorruption and Good Governance in Nigeria: Striking a Balance for Economic, Social, and Environmental Justice,” Olukoyede lauded HEDA’s pivotal role in combating corruption and advocating for good governance in Nigeria. The EFCC boss, also disclosed that the EFCC had recovered over N60 billion and $10 million in under four months since assuming office. He highlighted the investigation of 3,000 out of the 5,000 petitions received, emphasizing innovative measures to prevent and minimize public fund embezzlement and financial crimes. Olukoyede reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging the anti-corruption agenda to boost Nigeria’s economy, stressing the need for collective responsibility in curbing corruption. In response, HEDA Chairman Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju acknowledged the daunting challenges in the anti-corruption fight and urged Nigerians to contribute from their spheres to the cause. He emphasized HEDA’s role in supporting agencies like the EFCC, ICPC, and others, calling for a robust policing system and judicial accountability to ensure effective corruption prosecution. The EFCC’s adherence to professionalism and the rule of law, Suraju noted, would encourage Nigerians’ participation in economic growth and development.

March 5, 2024 By heda

HEDA News

FG’s N5bn Palliative: HEDA wants transparent implementation, monitoring

In response to the recent announcement by the Federal Government to provide N5 billion as financial support to the 36 states, aimed at mitigating the impact of the removal of petrol subsidies, HEDA Resource Centre, has stressed the importance of transparent implementation frameworks and robust strategies to ensure accountability and effective utilization of these funds. The decision to remove the petrol subsidy has brought attention to the need for comprehensive and well-defined plans to channel resources for the betterment of the citizenry. HEDA firmly believes that a clear road map outlining how these funds will be disbursed and monitored is essential to prevent any misuse or mismanagement, diversion, or corruption as experienced with previous similar measures like SURE-P amongst others. In light of this, HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju urged all State governments to put forth detailed implementation strategies that demonstrate their commitment to the responsible allocation of resources. Furthermore, the NGO challenged President Bola Tinubu to take a proactive step toward ensuring the effectiveness and transparency of the financial support initiative from the administrators of the fund. “Transparent budgeting and regular updates on the utilization of the funds will foster public trust but also provide a mechanism for citizens to actively participate in overseeing the progress of projects aimed at easing the impact of the subsidy removal.” “We propose the involvement of institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to serve as a monitoring and evaluation team for the execution of these projects.” And further charge all stakeholders, community associations, professional groups, religious institutions, and artisan/labor unions to actively engage in the process and demand transparent and accountable administration of the funds. “This approach will undoubtedly enhance accountability, curb corruption, and enhance the overall impact of the support initiative. We call upon all stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the general public, to collectively ensure that the allocated funds are utilized judiciously and in alignment with the intended goals.

September 9, 2023 By heda