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CategoriesShell Nigeria Pollution Report

Nigeria: Shell documents expose basket pipeline, missing wells and US$10.9bn decommissioning costs as pollution scandal grows

Nigeria: Shell documents expose ‘basket’ pipeline, ‘missing’ wells and US$10.9bn decommissioning costs as pollution scandal grows Photo by Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Shell must answer for decades of pollution in the Niger Delta after internal company documents revealed broken rules, failing infrastructure and unresolved clean-up costs that risk leaving affected communities to pay the price, a coalition of human rights and environmental organisations, including Amnesty International, said today in a new report. The report, Nigeria: Lifting the Lid, analyses internal Shell emails, audits, presentations and confidential reviews disclosed in UK legal proceedings, revealing a wider human rights scandal than previously reported. While Shell presented its operations as meeting global standards, the documents point to concerns raised by the Nigerian army over alleged complicity in oil theft, suspected staff and contractor collusion, exemptions from safety standards, chronic neglect of known pipeline integrity risks, missing well data, weak leak detection and flawed spill monitoring. Shell knew the risks from ageing and leaking infrastructure, including an old pipeline internally described as “a basket” [case], yet kept oil flowing. It later decided to divest its onshore business rather than face the enormous cost of clean-up and decommissioning, including an internal US$10.9 billion decommissioning estimate. A separate internal presentation stated that 375km² of mangrove forest had been harmed by pollution. Amnesty International wrote to Shell on 3 July 2026 to share its findings related to the disclosed documents. In response to Amnesty’s report, Shell wrote that: “The characterisation and portrayal of Shell in your letter is not one we recognise. Shell is committed to honesty, integrity and respect for people, and to conducting business in an ethical and transparent manner.” Shell says that the findings do not reflect the “challenging operating environment in the Niger Delta at the time”. Their full response is included in the report. “Shell has long blamed oil theft and sabotage for pollution in the Niger Delta. But these documents cut through years of denial and raise grave questions about what Shell knew, what it allowed to continue, and whether it then sought to walk away from the costs of its toxic legacy,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. “The scandal was not simply illegal ‘bunkering’ or oil theft. The real scandal is Shell’s pursuit of profit at the expense of people’s rights. Shell was willing to accept further environmental damage in Nigeria that would not have been tolerated elsewhere, and years of public denial are now challenged by its own documents.” The real scandal is Shell’s pursuit of profit at the expense of people’s rights. Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria The report is published by Amnesty International together with The Corner House, Hawkmoth, HEDA Resource Centre, Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, Miideekor Environmental Development Initiative (MEDI), Recommon and Social Action. For affected communities, the findings confirm what many have said for decades: oil pollution has damaged water, farmland, fisheries, health and livelihoods, while companies continued to profit and deny responsibility. “Shell cannot be allowed to take the oil, take the profits and leave the pollution behind. Communities in the Niger Delta deserve truth, justice, clean-up and full remedy,” said Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of the HEDA Resource Centre, a Nigerian governance and environmental justice NGO. Concerns over role in oil theft, broken rules and failing infrastructure The documents show that even while Shell blamed criminal gangs for oil theft, senior staff allowed illegal taps to remain on pipelines because removing them would “take considerable system downtime”, meaning the temporary suspension of profitable crude oil flows. One senior Shell manager wrote in 2013 that this had led the Nigerian security force responsible for pipeline security to accuse Shell of being “complicit” in oil theft “because we are not removing the bunkering points.” A Shell presentation that year, referring to the effects of the illegal tapping, asked: “are we comfortable to continue producing, KNOWING that further environmental damage WILL occur?” The report also reveals that Shell exempted its Nigerian subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) from key elements of its global health and safety standards so oil could continue flowing through tampered pipelines, even when not deemed safe under Shell’s own safety rules. This was an approach one senior Shell executive appeared to acknowledge would not be tolerated elsewhere. Internal documents additionally show Shell executives suspected staff and contractors may have been involved in oil theft, with one email warning: “we have to work on the assumption that the bunkerers get good access to SPDC planning data.” Internal audits further exposed serious weaknesses in Shell’s pipeline management, including a major maintenance backlog, weak oversight systems, and poor records on pipeline clamps that Shell had allowed to become permanent repairs on leaking pipelines. More than 1,600 clamps were registered, including older clamps whose locations were unknown. A 2012 technical review also found that SPDC flowlines were supposed to be replaced every 15 years, but this was “not being followed” and only “breakdown maintenance” was being applied. Shell cannot be allowed to take the oil, take the profits and leave the pollution behind. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chairman of the HEDA Resource Centre ‘Missing’ oil wells, weak monitoring and flawed spill monitoring An internal report in 2014 to Shell’s then CEO said there were “hundreds” of SPDC onshore wells that were either missing from its electronic well-tracking system or whose condition could not be verified. Shell later launched a “well hunt campaign”, which identified 750 overdue maintenance tasks that contributed to an “unsatisfactory” audit rating. A 2013 report also found that SPDC’s pipelines had no real-time monitoring system, despite the fact that quickly detecting spills and limiting contamination is key to reducing pollution. Without such monitoring, anything short of a major rupture could go unnoticed. “A fossil fuel giant that could not verify the location and integrity of hundreds of wells and pipeline clamps, and lacked effective leak detection, cannot credibly claim it had pollution under control. Shell must stop deflecting blame,” said Dr Emem Okon from Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre, a Nigeria-based group promoting women’s

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Geoffrey Nnaji CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Petitions ICPC Over Alleged Continued Salary Payment to Former Minister Geoffrey Nnaji, Demands Expanded Investigation and Recovery of Funds 

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has submitted a supplementary petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), urging the Commission to expand its ongoing investigation into former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, to include alleged salary fraud, unlawful enrichment, payroll manipulation, and possible conspiracy involving public officials.  The petition, signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju addressed to the commission, follows an earlier petition dated 17 October 2025 concerning allegations of certificate forgery, perjury, and presentation of false academic credentials by Mr. Nnaji. HEDA stated that new information obtained from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) indicates that Mr. Nnaji may have continued to receive government salary payments months after his removal from office.  According to the petition submitted to the ICPC, payroll records obtained from IPPIS for June 2026 allegedly showed that Mr. Nnaji remained listed under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) as “Hon. Minister” and received a net payment of ₦170,282.61 for the month. The document referenced in the petition also reportedly indicated cumulative earnings of ₦5,845,601.13 recorded on the system.  The group expressed concern that if verified, the continued payment of public funds to an individual no longer occupying the office raises serious questions about weaknesses in government payroll management systems and possible breaches of public service accountability standards.  “We are concerned that a public official who has left office could allegedly remain active on the government payroll system for several months. Beyond the individual involved, this raises questions about the accountability of officials responsible for maintaining and supervising government payroll records,” He added.   In its supplementary petition, Suraju urged the ICPC to expand the scope of its investigation and consider additional offences relating to alleged salary fraud, unlawful enrichment, payroll manipulation, and possible collaboration with officials responsible for maintaining payroll records.  The anti-corruption organisation also requested that the Commission investigate the circumstances surrounding the continued presence of Mr. Nnaji’s profile on the IPPIS platform after leaving office; identify and investigate officials responsible for approving or maintaining the alleged payments; take appropriate steps to prevent further disbursement of public funds pending the outcome of investigations;  and recover any public funds found to have been improperly paid.   HEDA reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service, stressing that public resources must be protected from abuse through effective oversight mechanisms.  The organisation called on relevant anti-corruption agencies to ensure a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the allegations contained in the petition and take appropriate legal action where wrongdoing is established. 

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CategoriesHEDA News

Total’s divestment from Nigeria: Four organizations demand transparency

Following Total’s announcement that it is selling part of its oil assets in the Niger Delta, Friends of the Earth France, Hawkmoth, HEDA Resource Centre and Social Action, supported by Corner House and ReCommon, are taking legal action against the parent company of the group. The organizations are seeking to obtain documents that will shed light on the terms of the proposed transaction, as the provisions of the agreement are currently unclear. Whilst the Niger Delta is known to have been ravaged by oil exploitation, no information has been made public regarding the guarantees provided concerning the management of environmental damage and compensation for those affected. The documents, requested under pre-trial summary proceedings, would enable the organizations to verify whether Total has complied with its Duty of Vigilance under French law. The Niger Delta ravaged by decades of oil extraction The Niger Delta is now considered one of the “most polluted places on Earth”[1]. Water is unfit for consumption; fisheries have been destroyed; and land has been rendered uncultivable. The volume of hydrocarbons spilled in the area by all oil companies between 1958 and 2010 is estimated at approximately “9 to 13 million barrels”. This is equivalent to approximately 35 to 50 times the volume of oil spilled during the Exxon Valdez tanker disaster in Alaska.  This case is about people, not just oil assets. It is about children growing up with poisoned water, families breathing polluted air, and communities losing their health and livelihoods while international oil companies walk away with decades of profits. These communities must not be treated as corporate sacrifice zones. France’s Duty of Vigilance Law requires Total to demonstrate that its divestment does not further infringe the human rights of people in its oil and gas extraction sites by ensuring adequate remediation. Dr. Isaac ‘Asume’ Osuoka, Director, Social Action A gradual withdrawal that risks jeopardizing clean-up efforts The oil companies Total, Shell and ENI – which have historically operated in the region – are withdrawing one after the other, leaving the affected communities in uncertainty about their future. In March 2025, Shell sold its subsidiary, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), to Renaissance Africa Energy. SPDC was the operator of the onshore oil and gas assets owned by the SPDC joint venture (now renamed “JV Renaissance”), which has contributed significantly to the massive oil pollution in the Niger Delta over the last thirty years. The joint venture, in which Total has a 10 per cent share is now operated by Renaissance African Energy. In January 2026, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria signed an agreement to sell its stake in the Renaissance JV to a Nigerian consortium, Vaaris. In May 2026, ENI also announced the sale of its stake. This withdrawal by the major European oil companies, carried out with a complete lack of transparency, is a cause of serious concern for those most directly affected, as well as for local and international organizations: no information has been provided regarding the existence of guarantees concerning the remediation of polluted areas and compensation for those affected. The clean-up of the region could be jeopardized as a result. ”Total served on the international board of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI).  So it can’t say it doesn’t understand the public interest, and its own obligation to be transparent about such transactions.  We asked Patrick Pouyanné about the deal at this year’s AGM, but all we got back were smoke and mirror claims – just what has Total got to hide?” Simon Taylor, co-founder of Hawkmoth “The UN working groups and Mandate holders have categorized the 2024-2025 divestment shenanigans as experiments in divestment without clean-up. The lack of financial capacity to take over assets of SPDC without loan from Shell by Renaissance and inability of Chappal to consummate the take of Total share of SPDC after several extensions of deadlines goes to lack of capacity for liabilities take over by the new buyers”. Olanrewaju Suraju, Chair of HEDA Resource Centre Fossil fuel companies must ensure responsible divestment from their operations Whilst fossil fuel companies reap considerable profits from their activities, they all too often refuse to take responsibility for the legacy of pollution they leave behind. After they have left, local communities remain exposed to long-term health risks and the loss of their livelihoods, with no prospect of redress. Today, Friends of the Earth France, Hawkmoth, HEDA Resource Centre and Social Action are taking Total to court in France to seek clarification on the terms of its intended divestment from the Renaissance JV. Under the French Duty of Vigilance Law, Total is required to take the necessary measures to identify risks and prevent serious breaches of human rights and environmental damage resulting from Renaissance JV’s operation and the proposed divestment of Total’s share. The documents requested would enable us to verify whether the company has in fact complied with this obligation. Oil companies are organizing their divestment with a complete lack of transparency. Following Shell’s withdrawal in 2025, Total’s departure is heightening uncertainty amongst the affected communities: who will fund the clean-up once the major European oil companies have left, taking years of profits with them? CAMILLE GRANDPERRINlitigation officer at Friends of theEarth France

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CategoriesHEDA News

ITALIAN SUPREME COURT QUASHES CONVICTIONS OF PROSECUTORS IN OPL 245 CASE AS UNLAWFUL

NEW CHAPTER IN OPL 245 SAGA OPENS AS OECD TELLS NGOS IT WILL NOW INVESTIGATE POLITICAL INTERFERENCE BY ITALIAN STATE IN THE TRIAL AGAINST ENI AND SHELL We welcome and celebrate the decision by the Italian Supreme Court on 18 June 2026 decisively to overturn the conviction of Fabio de Pasquale and Sergio Spadaro, the two lead prosecutors in the Milan trial of oil multinationals Eni and Shell and others for alleged bribery in the acquisition of the OPL 245 oil field in Nigeria. The prosecutors had wrongly been accused and sentenced by lower courts for refusing to perform an official act,” based on alleged failure to file documents by a deadline – even though, the cited documents were never actually in the possession of the two prosecutors The Court wholly rejected the allegations, ruling that “the facts do not exist”. In effect, the Supreme Court found that the prosecutors had no case whatsoever to answer and the convictions were wholly unlawful. The ruling vindicates the prosecutors who had always defended their innocence; and shames those, such as former Nigerian Attorney General Mohamed Adoke and associates of Shell and Eni, who have sought to argue that the prosecutors’ convictions bolstered their case that no bribes were paid in the OPL 245 deal. We call on those who have made such statements to issue an immediate apology and retraction. The prosecution of the prosecutors has all the hallmarks of a politically-motivated witch hunt. The disciplining and criminal conviction of the prosecutors (on charges that an independent judicial expert long prior to the Supreme Court ruling described as “questionable conjectures”) effectively dismantled prosecutorial discretion in anti-corruption cases, making their prosecution harder. Far from bringing an end to the OPL 245 case, as some news reports have suggested, the Supreme Court ruling now opens a new chapter. In response to a dossier documenting 60 red flags in Italy’s handling of the OPL 245 case, the OECD Working Group on Bribery (which acts as guardian of the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention) has given an undertaking to non-governmental organisations that it would investigate concerns over political interference in the OPL 245 case once the case against de Pasquale and Spadero had reached its conclusion. The Working Group has already ruled that the acquittal of Eni, Shell and other defendants in the OPL 245 trial did not accord with the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. Any finding that there was political interference in the OPL 245 trial would place Italy in breach of Article 5 of the Convention. The prima facie evidence for such a breach is considerable. Associates of Eni have already been convicted for conspiring with state officials to “pollute” the prosecutors’ investigation into OPL 245 deal, and a former senior legal counsel for the company, is currently being prosecuted for the same offence. One of those convicted has alleged that the aim of the “pollution” scheme was explicitly intended to terminate the OPL 245 prosecutions; to discredit and discipline the trial prosecutors; and to reduce the effectiveness of the specialist anti-corruption unit within the Milan Prosecutors’ Office – outcomes that have all come to pass but which the Supreme Court ruling will (hopefully) now reverse. The public record also shows that Italy’s handling of the OPL 245 prosecutions was characterised by departures from applicable procedural rules that would appear to have been necessary precursors to decisions that resulted in or that are alleged to have resulted in the selection of trial judges favourable to Eni: the termination of the OPL 245 prosecutions on grounds that were overtly political and which, in one instance, failed to take account of new jurisprudence favourable to the prosecution: the prevention of the two lead prosecutors at the Court of First Instance from joining the team leading the State’s appeal against the acquittal of the defendants, which they had filed, thereby sabotaging the appeal: and the evisceration of the specialist anti-corruption unit at the Milan Prosecutors’ Office, lauded for its performance prior to these events, in the WG’s Phase IV review of Italy. We will now hold the Working Group to its undertaking. The OPL 245 saga is far from over. For further commentaries on the prosecution of the prosecutors and the OPL 245 case, we would refer readers to the following links: Corner House, UK Hawkmoth, The Netherlands HEDA, Nigeria ReCommon, Italy 23 June 2026

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Sowore CategoriesHEDA News

Sowore: HEDA Condemns DSS Intimidation at Federal High Court, Warns Against Threats to Civic Space and Rule of Law

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has strongly condemned the reported conduct of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Federal High Court during proceedings involving activist and presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore. In a statement released and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation described the incident as unfortunate, noting that it raises serious concerns about respect for the rule of law, judicial independence and fundamental human rights in Nigeria. Recall that on Wednesday, DSS operatives reportedly blocked lawyers, supporters and members of the public from accessing the courtroom, intimidated citizens within the court premises and restricted movement around the venue. Suraju said the development was particularly troubling given reports that Sowore was forcefully handled by DSS operatives on Monday while similar acts of intimidation and harassment were again reported during Wednesday’s proceedings. According to him, the reported actions, if established, represent a dangerous departure from the standards expected of security agencies in a constitutional democracy and risk undermining public confidence in the administration of justice. “Courts are public institutions established to uphold justice and fairness and should remain accessible to litigants, lawyers, journalists, observers and members of the public. Any action that creates fear or restricts lawful access to court proceedings threatens the openness and transparency that are essential to the judicial process.” He maintained. The group further stressed that the rights to a fair hearing, freedom of expression, freedom of association and access to justice are guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and protected by international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a signatory. HEDA also warned that the recurring use of intimidation, excessive force and arbitrary restrictions within civic and judicial spaces contributes to the shrinking of civic space in Nigeria, discourages public participation and weakens democratic accountability. “We call on the leadership of the DSS to investigate the reported incidents and ensure accountability where misconduct is established. The agency must guarantee that lawyers, journalists, civil society actors, political associates and members of the public are not subjected to intimidation or unlawful restrictions while attending court proceedings.” The organisation further maintained that Nigeria’s democracy can only flourish where courts remain open, accessible and free from intimidation, stressing that courtrooms must remain sanctuaries of justice, fairness and constitutional order rather than theatres of fear.

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CategoriesHEDA News

GFIIA 2026: HEDA Calls for Nominations for the 9th Edition of Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards

GFIIA 2026: HEDA Calls for Nominations for the 9th Edition of Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria, announces the call for nominations for the 9th Edition of the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards (GFIIA 2026). Named in honor of the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a distinguished human rights activist and legal luminary, the Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards aim to recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional integrity and contribute significantly to societal improvement. The awards’ board, chaired by Professor Itse Sagay and co-chaired by Professor Ayo Atsenua, includes esteemed members such as Mr. Femi Falana SAN, Comrade Femi Aborisade, Professor Nsogorua Udombana, Dr. Abiola Akiode-Afolabi, Comrade Achike Achude, and Mr. Olarenwaju Suraju. They are committed to honoring those who exemplify integrity and make remarkable contributions to society. According to a statement from HEDA’s Chairman, the GFIIA 2026 nomination period officially begins on Monday, May 25, 2026, and will remain open until Sunday, July 19, 2026. The subsequent two-week phase will involve collation, shortlisting, and board feedback, concluding these processes on August 3, 2026. Voting will take place from Monday, August 24 to Friday, October 16, 2026. The awards presentation is scheduled for December 10, 2026. HEDA’s Chairman, Olarenwaju Suraju, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to celebrating individuals who embody the values championed by Chief Gani Fawehinmi. The awards seek to honor those who, despite the temptations of corruption and unethical practices, choose a path of transparency, honesty, and integrity. These individuals serve as role models, inspiring others to follow suit. The Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards feature four distinct categories to encourage public participation: the Outstanding Integrity Award, Outstanding Impact Award, Valuable Whistle-blower Award, and Nigerians in Diaspora Integrity Ambassador Award. To nominate deserving individuals for GFIIA 2026, the public is encouraged to visit the official nomination portal at www.gfa.hedang.org. HEDA Resource Centre remains committed to upholding the legacy of Chief Gani Fawehinmi by promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria. The Gani Fawehinmi Impact and Integrity Awards continue to be a platform for recognizing and celebrating those who make a significant positive impact on society.

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CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA, NIHSA Launch Nationwide Dissemination, Training and Sensitisation on 2026 Annual Flood Outlook Across Nigeria’s Six Geopolitical Zones

HEDA Resource Centre, in collaboration with Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, has announced a nationwide dissemination, training, and sensitisation programme on the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) aimed at strengthening public understanding of flood risks, improving preparedness, and supporting early action across vulnerable communities in Nigeria. The two-day virtual programme will bring together participants from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, including farmers, agricultural cooperatives, community leaders, media professionals, civil society organisations, researchers, humanitarian actors, and personnel from Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Water Resources, and Emergency Management Agencies. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to simplify and disseminate flood forecast information in ways that are practical, accessible, and useful to communities most affected by recurring floods and climate-related disasters. According to HEDA Resource Centre, improving public understanding of flood risks is critical not only for disaster preparedness, but also for protecting agriculture, rural livelihoods, and food security across Nigeria. The organisation noted that farmers remain among the groups most affected by annual flooding, with repeated losses to farmlands, fisheries, livestock, storage facilities, and transportation routes contributing significantly to food insecurity and economic hardship. The dissemination and sensitisation programme is therefore designed to help participants understand flood-prone areas, likely impacts within their regions, and practical preparedness measures that can reduce losses before and during the rainy season. Speaking on the programme, HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, stressed the need to move flood information beyond technical reports into practical community knowledge. “Every year, flood predictions are released, but many communities still do not receive the information in ways they can understand or act upon. This programme is about simplifying the Annual Flood Outlook and ensuring that farmers, local institutions, media organisations, and communities are better prepared ahead of the peak rainfall period,” he said. The sessions will be delivered in Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Pidgin, and English to ensure wider participation and understanding across different regions of the country. HEDA further called on media organisations, particularly radio stations and community broadcasters, to actively participate in the programme. According to the organisation, the media plays a major role in translating and disseminating flood information to local communities, especially rural populations with limited access to digital platforms and official reports. The organisation maintained that journalists, broadcasters, and media practitioners must understand the Annual Flood Outlook well enough to communicate flood risks responsibly, accurately, and consistently to the public before disasters occur. The programme will cover practical areas including interpretation of the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook, flood risk communication, early warning dissemination, protection of farmlands and livelihoods, community preparedness measures, and coordinated response planning at community and institutional levels. HEDA also encouraged State Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Water Resources, Emergency Management Agencies, local governments, civil society groups, and community-based organisations to participate actively and support wider dissemination of the flood outlook within their states and communities. The programme is scheduled to hold virtually on May 19 and 20, 2026, with separate regional sessions for participants across Northern and Southern Nigeria.

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ex-defence minister Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Demands ICAN Sanction Convicted Ex-Defence Official Over ₦868m Fraud

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to immediately commence disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Nwabuoke Anamekwe Chukwunyere following his conviction for fraud and money laundering. In a petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to ICAN President, Mallam Haruna Nma Yahaya, the anti-corruption group urged the professional body to impose maximum sanctions on Chukwunyere, a Fellow of the Institute, to protect the integrity of the accounting profession in Nigeria. The civil society organisation’s demand follows the judgment delivered on March 23, 2026, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which found Chukwunyere guilty on nine counts bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds. The court sentenced him to 72 years imprisonment, to run concurrently as eight years. HEDA noted that the conviction provides conclusive evidence of professional misconduct, stressing that the former Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence abused his office by diverting funds meant for national security, amounting to ₦868.46 million. According to the organisation, the court’s findings further revealed that the convicted official refunded ₦220 million to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during the investigation, an act the court interpreted as an admission of guilt. “If he did not have a guilty mind, then he would not have refunded the money. This offence is a grave betrayal of public trust and a serious breach of ethical standards expected of chartered accountants.” Suraju maintained. The organisation recalled that it had earlier petitioned ICAN in July and November 2022 over the matter, but the Institute had deferred action pending the conclusion of court proceedings. With a final judgment now secured, HEDA insisted that there is no longer any justification for delay. Citing ICAN’s Professional Code of Conduct, particularly provisions on integrity, objectivity, and professional behaviour, Suraju maintained that Chukwunyere’s actions clearly amount to infamous conduct that warrants decisive disciplinary action. HEDA therefore urged the Accountants’ Investigating Panel to act swiftly and decisively, including the application of maximum professional sanctions, to serve as a deterrent and reaffirm public confidence in the accounting profession. The organisation stressed that failure to act decisively would undermine the credibility of the “Chartered Accountant” designation and weaken efforts to promote accountability in the management of public resources.

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CategoriesHEDA Publications

Climate Adaptation Finance in Nigeria: Accountability Gaps in the Ecological Fund (HEDA Report)

Enhancing Accountability in Climate Adaptation Finance in Nigeria: Synthesis Report and Case Studies on Ecological Fund This report by HEDA Resource Centre provides a detailed analysis of climate adaptation financing in Nigeria, with a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and effective utilization of the Ecological Fund. As climate challenges continue to impact vulnerable communities across the country, the need for responsible financial management and measurable outcomes has become more urgent than ever. Drawing from field research, case studies, and policy review, the report highlights key gaps in the management of ecological funds, including issues of misallocation, weak oversight, and limited public access to information. It also showcases real-life cases that demonstrate both the challenges and opportunities in ensuring that climate adaptation resources reach the communities that need them most. Beyond identifying problems, the report offers practical recommendations for strengthening governance frameworks, improving monitoring systems, and promoting citizen engagement in tracking climate finance. It serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, civil society organizations, development partners, and citizens who are committed to advancing environmental justice and sustainable development in Nigeria. Download Full Report Here

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

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