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CBN Loses Appeal as HEDA Secures Order on MTN Fine Settlement Details

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has dismissed the appeal filed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) challenging a Federal High Court judgment that ordered it to release information requested by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) concerning its settlement with MTN Nigeria over allegations of improper repatriation of funds. In a unanimous decision delivered by Justices Osman Alhaji Musale, Boloukuromo M. Ugo, and Mohammed A. Danjuma, the appellate court upheld the earlier ruling of Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which on January 10, 2024, directed the CBN to provide details of the settlement with MTN. The court further awarded the sum of N500,000 as costs against the apex bank in favour of HEDA. The dispute traces back to 2021 when HEDA, invoking the Freedom of Information Act, demanded that the CBN disclose the details of its resolution with MTN Nigeria after the government accused the telecommunications company of illegally repatriating $8.1 billion in violation of foreign exchange regulations. While MTN eventually reached an out-of-court settlement with the Federal Government, the terms of the agreement were never made public, prompting HEDA to approach the courts to compel disclosure. The Federal High Court had ordered the apex bank to release comprehensive details of the transaction, including the initial fine imposed on MTN, the final amount paid, the basis for the initial sanction, any concessions that resulted in a reduction of the fine, and the procedure through which such concessions were granted. Dissatisfied with the judgment, the CBN filed an appeal, contending that the lower court lacked jurisdiction, that the case constituted an abuse of court process, and that its right to fair hearing was violated. The bank also raised issues regarding the interpretation of Section 30 of the Freedom of Information Act and Section 104 of the Evidence Act, 2011. The Court of Appeal rejected all these arguments, holding that under Section 1(2) of the FOI Act, an applicant does not need to demonstrate any specific legal interest before seeking information from a public institution. The justices ruled that once a request is denied, the burden rests on the public institution to justify its refusal. They further criticised the CBN for attempting to divert HEDA to other institutions such as the National Library and the Federal High Court, noting that Section 5(1) of the FOI Act requires a public body that does not hold the requested information but knows where it is located to transfer the request accordingly and notify the applicant, a duty the apex bank failed to discharge. In its judgment, the Court of Appeal declared that the CBN, being a public institution, was bound by law to provide the information requested by HEDA. It described the bank’s failure to comply with the FOI request as unlawful and a breach of the intent of the legislation. Consequently, the appellate court affirmed in its entirety the decision of the lower court and ordered the CBN to pay N500,000 in costs to HEDA. The ruling, according to HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, not only compels the Central Bank of Nigeria to release the long-sought details of its settlement with MTN Nigeria but also strengthens the enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act, reinforcing the principle that public institutions must uphold transparency and accountability in their dealings.

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CategoriesHEDA News

Africa’s Clean Energy Agenda: HEDA joins global and regional stakeholders in Accra for FEC 2025

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) joined key stakeholders at the Future of Energy Conference (FEC) 2025, held on 26th and 27th August at the Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra, Ghana. The civil group ably represented by its Legal and Programme Manager, Mr. David Ogungbesan and Monitoring and Evaluation/Compliance Officer, Mrs. Barakah Danmole. HEDA participated in high-level discussions on financing Africa’s energy transition and unlocking investments for sustainable growth. The conference brought together policymakers, innovators, civil society organisations, private sector leaders, and development partners to reflect on Africa’s paradox of abundant natural resources amid persistent energy poverty. Participants highlighted the urgency of inclusive, accountable, and African-led solutions to address the reality that 600 million people on the continent still lack access to modern energy. Across two days of keynote addresses, panel sessions, fireside chats, and side events, the dialogue centred on innovative financing models such as blended finance, carbon markets, green bonds, and diaspora bonds, while also warning against unsustainable debt burdens. Strong governance, enabling policies, and regional cooperation were underscored as critical enablers of progress, with civil society organisations like HEDA positioned to hold governments and corporations accountable. National Oil Companies (NOCs) were identified as strategic players in the transition, but participants emphasised the need for improved corporate governance and insulation from political interference. A recurring theme was the importance of making clean energy projects “bankable” through financial viability, technical soundness, and supportive regulatory frameworks. The conference also featured an Innovation Challenge, where young Africans showcased home-grown solutions to energy challenges. Ashaba Ajarah from Uganda won first place with her innovative plastics-to-electricity and solar PV housing model, while innovations from Zimbabwe and Ghana also earned recognition. In its communiqué, the conference reaffirmed that Africa’s energy transition must be shaped “by Africa, for Africa, from Africa.” It called for mobilising domestic resources, scaling blended financing, reforming tariffs, and fostering regional integration to position Africa competitively in the global clean energy value chain. The 2025 edition not only reinforced the urgency of Africa’s transition agenda but also celebrated the continent’s growing capacity for innovation, collaboration, and leadership. With a commitment from stakeholders to deepen partnerships through 2026 and beyond, there is renewed hope that Africa’s clean energy future will be both inclusive and sustainable.

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CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Urges Osun Governor Adeleke to Dethrone Ipetumodu Monarch Convicted of COVID-19 Fraud in U.S

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption and human rights organization, has called on the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to immediately commence the statutory process of dethroning Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, following his conviction and sentencing by a United States court for COVID-19 relief fraud. On August 26, 2025, Judge Christopher A. Boyko of the Northern District of Ohio, United States, sentenced Oba Oloyede to five years’ imprisonment for his role in a multi-million dollar fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds. The court also ordered him to repay approximately $4.4 million to victims of the fraudulent scheme. The monarch had earlier pleaded guilty after prosecutors presented evidence that he fraudulently used six companies to obtain loans under U.S. emergency relief packages, including the Paycheck Protection Programme (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) schemes. The civil society group, in a letter signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, addressed to Governor Ademola Adeleke, stressed that a traditional ruler, who by virtue of his position is expected to embody integrity, culture, and respect, cannot continue to occupy the revered stool of Ipetumodu while bearing the stigma of criminal conviction abroad. According to Suraju, traditional rulers are the custodians of culture and values, symbols of authority, and closest to their people. Such a sacred position must never be tainted by the moral burden of fraud, corruption or criminal conviction. “It is therefore on this premise that we respectfully demand the dethronement of Oba Yusuf Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu, to preserve the honour of Osun’s traditional institutions and safeguard the integrity of the state.” Suraju added. The anti-corruption organisation warned that failure to act promptly could amount to condoning fraud and defiling Osun State’s traditional institutions by the government. It urged the Governor to uphold the sanctity of leadership and protect the image of Nigeria both nationally and internationally. HEDA assured that it will continue to monitor developments closely and remain steadfast in advancing accountability, transparency, and the rule of law across all sectors of governance and leadership.

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CategoriesHEDA Publications

Leadership Approval Rating (LAR) – National Report Now Available

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made the June 2025 Leadership Approval Rating (LAR) a nationwide reality. From the concept drafted by our program team to the unwavering support of the MacArthur Foundation and the tireless efforts of our volunteer network across all 36 states and the FCT, your contributions made this report possible. Special thanks to our partners, analysts, editors, and designers who turned the data into a powerful narrative. Together, we amplified 1,423 voices from across Nigeria. Thank you for being part of this journey. 📥 Download the full report here

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CategoriesClimate change

HEDA Sets Anti-Corruption, Good Governance Agenda for Tinubu at Mid-Term Mark; Commended EFCC on handing over of recovered 753 Houses to Government

As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks two years in office under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has urged the administration to recalibrate its governance strategy with a renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and inclusive development. In a statement signed by its HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation acknowledged key strides made by the current administration but emphasized that the country’s worsening poverty rate, weak anti-corruption mechanisms, and erosion of democratic accountability demand urgent intervention. Suraju noted that while commendable efforts have been recorded by anti-corruption agencies and reforms in the passport issuance process, the legal autonomy granted to local governments, Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and infrastructure development, the impact of economic reforms has been severely undercut by inflation, rising debt, and unaddressed corruption scandals. “President Tinubu came into power at a time when Nigerians were yearning for credible leadership, economic stability, and justice. Two years later, while some progress has been made, millions of Nigerians are still trapped in multidimensional poverty, insecurity persists, and anti-corruption enforcement remains challenging,” Suraju noted. HEDA further called on the Tinubu administration to demonstrate greater political will by prosecuting high-profile individuals implicated in corruption scandals, particularly within key ministries, departments and agencies. It expressed concern that the much-publicized Conditional Cash Transfer programme and other social investment schemes have been marred by lack of transparency and poor monitoring mechanisms. The group also urged the government to publish regular audit reports, enforce the Freedom of Information Act, and empower anti-graft institutions to operate independently and without political interference. “Much of the hardship in the country is exacerbated by unbridled public spending, such as billions allocated for luxury vehicles for lawmakers, religious pilgrimages, and underused official residences, at a time when universities remain underfunded and basic amenities are scarce,” Suraju stated. HEDA stressed the importance of institutionalizing reforms that go beyond superficial palliatives. It pointed to the need for a stronger justice system, improved citizen engagement, and protection of civil liberties. The group criticized the heavy-handed response to peaceful protests like the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations and called for greater tolerance of dissent in a democratic setting. HEDA further commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on the recent official handing over of 753 housing units recovered from the immediate past Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele to the federal government for management, and demand transparency and accountability in the administration and allocation of the recovered proceeds of crimes to victims of Emefiele’s corrupt activities. “As the country navigates the next two years of Tinubu’s administration, it is imperative to place citizens’ welfare and institutional integrity at the heart of governance. We urge the President to lead a national reorientation process that prioritize accountability, competence, and service delivery across all levels of government.” He added.

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CategoriesClimate change

HEDA Sues FG, Oil Giants Over Alleged Unlawful Oil Licence Transfer

The Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre has dragged Federal Government, multinational oil companies and Nigerian government agencies before the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenging the legality of a major oil asset divestment deal. In the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/850/25, filed by Kunle Adegoke, SAN, HEDA is seeking the court’s determination on whether the transfer of interests in oil mining lease assets by Eni Societa Per Azioni, Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, and Oando PLC was carried out in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and other relevant regulatory frameworks. The civil society group alleges that the transaction was conducted in breach of several statutory provisions, including the Guidelines for Obtaining Minister’s Consent to Assignment of Interest in Oil and Gas Assets (2021), the Upstream Petroleum Environmental Regulations (2022), the Gas Flaring, Venting and Methane Emissions Regulations (2023), and the Upstream Petroleum Environmental Remediation Regulations (2024).  Joined in the suit as defendants are the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources. HEDA is asking the court to declare the transaction unlawful, invalid, and of no legal effect, claiming that proper legal and environmental procedures were not followed. The organisation is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the relevant government agencies from recognising or approving the deal, and an order of nullification of any ministerial consent already granted. In a statement, HEDA’s Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, said the legal action was part of the organisation’s long-standing commitment to ensuring transparency, environmental justice, and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s extractive sector. “This suit is about more than just a corporate deal, it’s about the integrity of our regulatory systems and the future of environmental governance in Nigeria,” Suraju said. “We cannot continue to allow powerful interests to bypass laws meant to protect citizens, the environment, the economy, and integrity of the country.” The organisation maintains that the case represents a significant test of the Nigerian government’s willingness to enforce the PIA and uphold accountability in the oil and gas industry. With this legal step, HEDA aims to set a precedent that oil licence transfers and divestments must strictly adhere to Nigerian law, especially in an era where environmental sustainability and responsible governance are paramount.

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CategoriesClimate change

Federal High Court Grants HEDA’s Application to Compel FG to Release Gas Flaring Data

In a landmark judgment affirming the public’s right to environmental accountability and transparency, the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted the application of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), compelling the Federal Government of Nigeria to release critical information on gas flaring activities in the country. Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/251/2021, Justice A.O Faji ruled in favour of HEDA’s request for an order of mandamus, thereby directing the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Minister of Finance to provide detailed data on oil and gas companies flaring gas in Nigeria between 2015 and 2020. Specifically, the Court ordered the Respondents to release the following: Names of all oil and gas companies involved in gas flaring in Nigeria; Volumes of gas flared by each company; Penalties due from the companies for gas flaring; and Actual penalties paid within the five-year period. The judgment, upheld HEDA’s position that public access to such data is fundamental to environmental justice and national accountability. Despite efforts by the Respondents’ legal team to have the suit struck out, the Court held that the application had merit and granted the reliefs sought. This legal victory stems from HEDA’s broader campaign for environmental justice, climate accountability, and transparent governance in Nigeria’s extractive sector. HEDA had initiated the suit after repeated Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to Ministry of Petroleum Resources with President as Minister and Finance Minister went unacknowledged. Reacting to the judgment, HEDA’s Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, described the Court’s decision as a major win for environmental rights defenders, anti-corruption advocates, and the Nigerian public. “This is a precedent-setting judgment. It affirms the power of civic engagement and the relevance of the judiciary in protecting environmental rights. With this ruling, the Government is compelled to be transparent about the operations of oil and gas companies and the true environmental cost of their activities,” said Suraju. He emphasized that HEDA will continue to pursue full enforcement of the judgment and advocate for sanctions against erring corporations, in addition to pressing for the utilization of gas flaring penalties for climate adaptation and development initiatives. HEDA calls on all stakeholders including civil society, the media, and the international community to join in demanding accountability from both the Nigerian Government and extractive companies operating in the country. This case reaffirms the importance of judicial action in enforcing transparency and environmental justice, especially where administrative silence has failed the public interest.

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CategoriesClimate change

Nigeria’s Judiciary Faces Credibility Crisis: HEDA’s Latest LAR Report Calls for Urgent Reform

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has issued a sobering assessment of Nigeria’s judicial system in its fifth Leadership Approval Rating (LAR) report, “Voice for Justice: A civic Lens on Nigeria’s Judicial System – Documenting Public Experience Opinions, and Reform Demands. The recently and widely-reported launch in Lagos, the report paints a stark portrait of public disillusionment with judiciary and demands urgent, far-reaching reforms. Based on a nationwide survey of 1,357 Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the findings reveal widespread perception of corruption, inaccessibility, and political interference within the judiciary. HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, described the report as “a mirror held up to power,” reflecting the lived experience of citizens rather than abstract statistics. The key findings of the report include: Only 12% of the respondents rated the judiciary as highly accessible while 36.5% described accessibility as low. Half of those surveyed had never interacted with the courts, and when interaction occurred, they were mostly administrative such as obtaining affidavits or settling land disputes, rather than seeking substantive justice. Nearly half (49%) submitted to paying or “sorting” court officials, and 65.4% believed judicial corruption is high or extremely high. Beyond corruption and inefficiency, the judiciary was also seen as complicit in broader rights violations: 60% of respondents accused it of enabling police abuses and imposing excessive bail conditions. To address these challenges, the report calls for a comprehensive reform agenda including full judicial autonomy and restructuring of the NJC, improved pay, welfare, and security for judges, stronger anti-corruption enforcement, greater transparency, such as livestreamed court proceedings and the use of body-worn cameras, among others. Arigbabu stressed that the recommendations are not optional, but necessary steps to restore public trust and uphold democracy. He emphasized that many reforms require not new policies, but better applications of existing rules, such as reducing unnecessary adjournments and ensuring timely reviews of remand orders. Speaking at the launch, HEDA’s Senior Program Consultant, Sina Odugbemi urged civic actors, media, and citizens to intensify efforts in exposing corruption and advocating for change. “Corruption is everywhere, and we must expose it. We need journalism that digs deeper and citizens who demand accountability.” he said. HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, echoed these sentiments, affirming HEDA’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s institutions. “This report is a call to action. Public instituitons must be answerable to the people they serv. Together, we can rise to the challenge and transform the judiciary for the better.” As Nigeria’s judiciary stands at a crossroads, the message from citizens is clear: reforms are urgently needed and the time to act is now.

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CategoriesClimate change

HEDA at AACJ Nigeria Consortium Planning Workshop: Charting the Path for Climate Justice in 2025

From May 5 to 7, 2025, HEDA Resource Centre joined its African Activists for Climate Justice (AACJ) consortium partners for a pivotal country-level planning workshop in Lagos. The gathering brought together key coalition members including PACJA, Oxfam in Nigeria, Oxfam Novib, Natural Justice, FEMNET, African Youth Commission (AYC), Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet), GIFSEP, YMCA, and others to reflect on shared progress and set a bold strategic direction for the final phase of the AACJ project. Since the inception of the AACJ initiative, HEDA and its partners have made meaningful contributions across five strategic pathways: strengthening social movements, amplifying African climate narratives, advancing human rights, building community resilience, and pushing for climate-just policies. Our joint efforts have resulted in tangible outcomes across Nigeria, including: Adoption of beekeeping practices by smallholder farmers in Kaduna; Distribution of over 13,500 tree seedlings in Benue State; Training of more than 300 women on briquette-making in Niger State; Legal advocacy to uphold the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act; Climate radio programs and flood early warning training for local communities; Support for policy wins such as the Adamawa State Climate Change Bill and the ban on single-use plastics. In 2024, under the “Adaptive Capacity” pathway, HEDA reached over 5,000 residents with early warning systems, trained 165 public officials across the country, and conducted evidence-based flood-impact research that informed policy responses at both state and national levels. Looking ahead, 2025 will see an expansion of community pilot projects, increased youth-led advocacy, and the launch of a unified national media campaign to elevate frontline climate stories. HEDA remains committed to amplifying the voices that matter most and advancing a just, inclusive climate future. Together with our partners, we continue to weave a resilient fabric of climate justice across Nigeria.

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CategoriesClimate change

HEDA Deepens Partnership with NEITI on Extractive Sector Transparency

As part of our sustained commitment to promoting accountability and environmental justice in Nigeria’s extractive sector, a delegation from Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, at the NEITI House in Abuja. Welcoming the HEDA team, Dr. Orji emphasized NEITI’s core mandate of fostering transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive industries, stressing that active collaboration with accountability actors like HEDA is crucial to the success and credibility of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process in Nigeria. “We see HEDA as a major stakeholder and one of the leading civil society organizations supporting NEITI’s vision of reforming the extractive sector,” Dr. Orji remarked. He commended HEDA’s consistent investigative efforts, especially in critical areas such as marginal field awards, beneficial ownership disclosures, and host community impacts. Of particular note was HEDA’s recent publication: “Marginal Fields’ Awards, Regulators’ Independence, and Environmental Justice: Paradox of Beneficial Ownership and the Host Communities.” Dr. Orji applauded the report, describing it as timely and aligned with NEITI’s mission. He acknowledged the report’s findings on corruption risks associated with the 2020/2021 marginal field awards and the ongoing concerns around transparency in beneficial ownership—issues NEITI is currently addressing. “Your work provides valuable insights and data that reinforce our advocacy and reform efforts,” Dr. Orji stated. “We look forward to deepening collaboration with HEDA to meet the expectations of the EITI process in Nigeria.” Responding, HEDA Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, described NEITI as more than a partner, calling it a strategic institution capable of transforming Nigeria’s extractive governance landscape. He reiterated HEDA’s unwavering support for NEITI’s mandate and commended the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for integrating NEITI into its monitoring framework. Mr. Suraju noted that Nigeria’s extractive sector challenges go beyond poverty—they are rooted in systemic corruption, conflict, and the failure to enforce regulatory frameworks. He affirmed HEDA’s commitment to continue playing a watchdog role while working closely with institutions like NEITI to uphold transparency, integrity, and environmental justice. This visit marks another milestone in HEDA’s efforts to forge strong institutional partnerships aimed at reforming Nigeria’s extractive industry and ensuring that natural resources truly benefit the people.

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