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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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Stella Oduah CategoriesHEDA News

CSOs Demand Full Recovery of ₦4.9bn in Stella Oduah Fraud Case, Warn Against Weak Plea Bargain

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) working on anti-corruption, transparency, and good governance in Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to ensure the full recovery of ₦4.9 billion allegedly misappropriated in the corruption case involving former Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah. The coalition raised the concern following reports from proceedings at the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja indicating that the former minister may be exploring a refund arrangement as part of a possible plea bargain in the ongoing prosecution. Reacting in a joint statement, the groups warned that any settlement that allows the refund of only a portion of the funds allegedly involved would undermine justice and weaken Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. According to the coalition, public records from investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) show that the original charges involve the alleged fraudulent diversion of approximately ₦4.9 billion in public funds during Oduah’s tenure as Aviation Minister. The organisations acknowledged that plea bargaining is recognised under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 but stressed that such legal provisions must not become a mechanism for politically exposed persons to escape full accountability. “Any settlement arising from this case must guarantee the complete recovery of the ₦4.9 billion allegedly misappropriated, not merely the ₦2.5 billion that has been referenced in some public reports,” the coalition stated. The groups also called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to ensure that any ongoing negotiations strictly comply with the principles of transparency, restitution, and justice. “If a plea bargain is to be considered, it must undergo full judicial scrutiny and receive the approval of the court in accordance with the law. The process must remain transparent and accountable to the Nigerian public,” the statement added. The coalition further emphasised that any plea bargain arrangement must include a clear admission of wrongdoing and appropriate legal consequences as provided by law, noting that silent settlements without sanctions would significantly undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework. According to the organisations, Nigeria’s justice system must demonstrate that politically exposed persons are not treated differently from ordinary citizens in the administration of justice. “Allowing powerful individuals to refund only a fraction of allegedly stolen public funds without meaningful consequences will erode public confidence in the justice system and weaken the fight against corruption,” the groups warned. They therefore urged the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the EFCC, and the judiciary to ensure that justice is not only done but is clearly seen to be done in the handling of the case. The coalition stressed that public office is a public trust and that individuals entrusted with managing national resources must be held fully accountable when that trust is allegedly violated. The statement was jointly endorsed by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre); African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD); African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL); Amnesty International Nigeria; BudgIT Foundation; Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD); Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT); Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD). Others include Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) / Transparency International Nigeria; Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA); Global Rights; Media Rights Agenda; Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN); Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED); Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC); Say No Campaign; Social Action; Tax Justice and Governance Platform; Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity; Zero Corruption Coalition; and Alliance on Surviving COVID‑19 and Beyond (ASCAB). The organisations reaffirmed their commitment to monitoring the case closely and ensuring that the Nigerian people receive full justice and accountability in matters involving the management of public resources.

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CategoriesHEDA News

Job Vacancy: Legal Officer

LOCATION: Ikeja, Lagos. REPORTS TO: Management Position Overview: We are seeking a competent and detail-oriented Legal Officer to provide legal support to our organisation. The successful candidate will be responsible for handling legal research, drafting and reviewing legal documents, supporting litigation processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing legal advisory services to support the organisation’s programmes and operations. Key Responsibilities Qualifications and Requirements How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter to humanresourceshedang.org with the subject line “Application –Legal Officer”

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CategoriesHEDA News

JOB Vacancy: Programmes Manager (Good governance)

LOCATION: Ikeja, Lagos. REPORTS TO: Programs Director  Position Overview: We are seeking a passionate and dedicated person to join our Good Governance Department. The Programme Manager will lead the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of programs under the Good Governance Department. The role involves overseeing project execution, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, managing stakeholder relationships, and promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation initiatives. The Programme Manager will ensure that all governance-related projects align with the organisation’s strategic objectives and deliver measurable impact. Key Responsibilities: Qualifications and Requirements How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and a cover letter to humanresourceshedang.org with the subject line “Application – Programmes Manager (Good Governance)”

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Prof. Adepoju Adeshola CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Petitioned FRIN Boss to EFCC Over Alleged N3bn Fraud, Asset Diversion

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), urging the anti-graft agency to immediately prosecute the former Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Prof. Adepoju Adeshola, over allegations of massive corruption, diversion of public funds, and abuse of office. In a petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group called for urgent action, alleging that billions of naira meant for environmental protection, research, and infrastructure projects were misappropriated during the former DG’s tenure between 2015 and 2022. According to the Suraju, approximately N913 million budgeted for the National Afforestation Programme between 2018 and 2021 was allegedly diverted. He also cited an alleged N240 million frauds linked to the “Fencing of Trial Afforestation Project” in 2018. HEDA further alleged that over N2 billion in research grants from TETFUND and UNESCO, including a specific N300 million COVID-19 intervention funds, remain unaccounted for. The anti-corruption organisation also accused the former Director-General of criminal conversion of government assets, alleging that in 2023, shortly before leaving office, he oversaw the sale of serviceable government vehicles to himself and associates at heavily discounted prices. Among the vehicles listed were a Toyota Prado reportedly purchased in 2019 for N78 million but allegedly sold to him for N7 million, and a Toyota Hilux acquired in 2018 for N18 million but allegedly converted for personal use at N1 million. In addition, HEDA raised allegations of money laundering and illicit asset acquisition, claiming that proceeds from the alleged diversion of funds were used to acquire hospitality businesses and residential properties in Ogbomosho, Abuja, Ibadan, and along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The group identified Hotel Le Harve and Hotel D Kit’s in Ogbomosho, as well as properties in Maitama (Abuja), GRA (Ibadan), and the RCCG Camp axis, as assets allegedly linked to the proceeds of the alleged crimes. HEDA further alleged that funds were moved through FRIN Consultancy Services Limited Project Account domiciled in Polaris Bank, with the assistance of named consultants and staff members. Suraju further expressed concern that despite an earlier investigation and invitation reportedly extended by the EFCC in 2024, the case may have been stalled due to alleged high-level political interference. HEDA further urged the EFCC to reopen and conclude investigations without external pressure, immediately charge the former Director-General to court based on available evidence, investigate identified accomplices and financial institutions involved, and obtain interim forfeiture orders on the listed properties to prevent further disposal or laundering of assets. The group emphasised that corruption within environmental institutions undermines Nigeria’s climate resilience efforts and public trust in governance, urging the anti-graft agency to ensure that no individual is above the law.

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NSITF and its Managing Director, Oluwaseun Mayomi Faleye. CategoriesAnti-corruption HEDA News

HEDA Petitions EFCC Over Alleged Financial Mismanagement at NSITF

In a move aimed at tackling corruption in the public service, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate alleged financial mismanagement and corruption involving the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and its Managing Director

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