HEDA Resource Centre

CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA hails Court’s Final Forfeiture of Aisha Achimugu’s Assets, Urges Sustained Anti-Corruption Efforts 

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has welcomed the Federal High Court’s order granting the final forfeiture of assets linked to businesswoman Aisha Achimugu to the Federal Government, describing the judgment as a significant boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign.  Justice Jude Onwugbuzie of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday ordered the forfeiture of jewelry valued at N4.65 billion, 11 exotic vehicles worth N4.29 billion and $50,000 in cash following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).  HEDA in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the anticorruption group commended the anti-graft agency for pursuing the case to its logical conclusion and lauded the judiciary for upholding the rule of law.   According to Suraju, the judgment demonstrates that anti-corruption institutions can achieve meaningful outcomes, whether with private or public persons, when investigations and prosecutions are conducted professionally and without undue interference.  He said the forfeiture should serve as a reminder that no individual, regardless of status or political connections, should be above the law.  “The court’s decision is capable of reinforcing public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption framework. Asset recovery must remain a key component of efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability in the management of public resources,” Suraju said.  The organisation urged the EFCC and other relevant agencies to sustain the momentum by ensuring that all recovered assets are transparently managed and deployed for projects that directly benefit Nigerians.  Suraju also called for consistent enforcement of anti-corruption laws, stressing that investigations and prosecutions should remain evidence-based and free from political considerations.  HEDA further urged public officials and politically exposed persons to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability and integrity in public service.  The organisation maintained that strengthening institutions, ensuring judicial independence and promoting transparency in asset recovery remain critical to sustaining Nigeria’s fight against corruption.  The judgment comes months after the same court ordered the final forfeiture of $13 million linked to Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Limited, a company associated with Achimugu.

Former Army Officer Bello Magaji CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Demands Immediate Enforcement of Supreme Court Jail Sentence Against Convicted Former Army Officer Bello Magaji

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has formally petitioned the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), demanding the immediate enforcement of the five-year prison sentence affirmed by the Supreme Court against convicted former Army officer, Major Bello Magaji over the offence of sodomy. In a petition signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju and addressed to the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, the civil society organization expressed grave concern over reports suggesting that the convict may have evaded serving the custodial sentence imposed by the nation’s highest court, describing the situation as a serious threat to the rule of law and the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system. According to Suraju, the administration of justice cannot be considered complete when a person validly convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction escapes the consequences of the crime. “Justice does not end with conviction. The enforcement of judicial decisions is fundamental to maintaining public confidence in the legal system. Where a Supreme Court judgment remains unexecuted, it sends a dangerous message that powerful individuals can evade accountability,” Suraju stated. HEDA recalled that Major Bello Magaji was arraigned before a General Court Martial on February 6, 1997, for the offence of sodomy contrary to Section 81(1)(a) of the Armed Forces Decree No. 105 of 1993. Following his conviction, he was initially sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, which was later reduced to five years by the Confirming Authority. The convict unsuccessfully challenged the judgment before the Court of Appeal before proceeding to the Supreme Court in Appeal No. S.C. 204/2004 (Major Bello Magaji v. The Nigerian Army). On March 7, 2008, the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed his appeal and affirmed the five-year prison sentence. In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Niki Tobi, the apex court upheld the concurrent findings of the lower courts and affirmed the conviction. HEDA noted that credible public disclosures have raised serious questions as to whether the convicted former officer ever served the prison term affirmed by the Supreme Court. Consequently, the organisation called on the Nigerian Correctional Service to urgently verify its custodial records to determine whether Major Bello Magaji was ever admitted into any correctional facility to serve the sentence. Where no such record exists, HEDA urged the Service to immediately collaborate with relevant law enforcement agencies to apprehend the convict and ensure the full execution of the Supreme Court judgment. The anti-corruption organisation also demanded a comprehensive internal investigation into any administrative or institutional failures that may have enabled the alleged non-enforcement of the custodial sentence. “The rule of law cannot be selective. Every valid judgment of the Court must be respected and enforced irrespective of the status or influence of the convicted person. Failure to execute such judgments undermines public trust in the justice system and weakens the nation’s commitment to accountability,” Suraju added. HEDA, however, has forwarded relevant portions of the Supreme Court judgment to the Nigerian Correctional Service to facilitate immediate action and copied the Honourable Minister of Interior, urging the Ministry to ensure full compliance with the judgment. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, and respect for the rule of law, stressing that no individual should be above the law or permitted to escape the consequences of a lawful conviction.

CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Demands Probe into Alleged PFIPC Budget Allocation, Seeks Full Public Disclosure 

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called for a thorough and independent investigation into the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), following reports that more than ₦1 billion was appropriated for the body in the 2026 national budget despite official denials by the Presidency on the existence of the office.  In a statement signed and issued by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the anti-corruption group maintained that the controversy has transcended the actions of any individual and now requires a comprehensive public inquiry and explanation from the Federal Government.  The anti-corruption organisation described the development as a serious governance issue that raises questions about the credibility of Nigeria’s government operations, budgetary process and the management of public resources.  “If the Presidency maintains that the PFIPC does not exist, Nigerians deserve to know how an allocation for the council found its way into the 2026 Appropriation Act.  The public has a right to know who proposed the allocation, the government institutions that processed and approved it, and whether any public funds have been released or committed considering the secondment of public servants to the office.” Suraju added.   The group further noted that transparency and accountability remain the bedrock of democratic governance, stressing that every budgetary allocation must be backed by legitimate legal and administrative processes.  “This controversy presents an opportunity for the Federal Government to demonstrate its commitment to openness by making all relevant information available to the public. The integrity of the national budget is fundamental to public trust. Any uncertainty surrounding the legitimacy of government institutions or public expenditure weakens confidence in governance and raises avoidable concerns about fiscal accountability,” Suraju stated.  The organisation further warned that unresolved questions surrounding the alleged council could have broader implications for Nigeria’s investment climate, as both domestic and international investors consider institutional transparency an important factor in assessing governance and economic stability.  HEDA therefore urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately publish all documents relating to the alleged PFIPC, including the origin of the budget proposal, the approval process, any expenditure connected to the allocation, and measures being taken to prevent a recurrence.  HEDA called on the National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation, and other oversight institutions to carry out an independent investigation into the matter and make their findings public.  “Nigerians deserve a full and credible explanation. Every appropriation in the national budget must be traceable, lawful and subject to public scrutiny. Strengthening accountability in public finance is essential to restoring confidence in government institutions and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic system,” the statement concluded.

CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Commends EFCC’s Prosecution of Ngige, Urges Judiciary to Ensure Justice is Served

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its continued commitment to investigating and prosecuting corruption cases involving public officials, following proceedings in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, over alleged procurement irregularities involving the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the organisation described the prosecution as another important demonstration of the EFCC’s resolve to pursue accountability irrespective of the status of those involved. According to reports presented before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, an EFCC witness challenged claims that the former minister acted under a presidential directive in overseeing procurement activities at the NSITF. Documentary evidence, including correspondence from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), procurement records and contract award documents, was also tendered before the court as the trial continues. Mr. Ngige while serving as the minister of Labour defied the authority of the President in the appointment of renowned labour union leader, late Chief Frank Kokori and ensure the late activist never assumed office as the appointed Chairman of NSITF. Subsequent developments and revelations emerging from the EFCC investigations and prosecution have exposed the personal interest and mismanagement plan of the minister in that position which the presence of Kokori as chairman would have made difficult. The civil society group noted that corruption allegations involving the mismanagement of public resources deserve thorough judicial scrutiny. It maintained that public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts depends not only on diligent investigations but also on fair, transparent and timely judicial processes that allow the facts to be fully examined. “We commend the EFCC for remaining steadfast in the discharge of its statutory mandate. The Commission’s willingness to prosecute high-profile corruption cases sends a strong message that public office must never become a licence for impunity,” Suraju said. HEDA emphasised that every defendant is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court. However, the organisation stressed that the seriousness of the allegations makes it imperative for the judicial process to proceed without undue delay or interference. The organisation therefore urged the judiciary to continue to uphold its independence by ensuring that justice is served strictly in accordance with the law and the evidence presented before the court. “The Nigerian judiciary occupies a critical position in the fight against corruption. This case presents another opportunity to reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Nigerians are closely monitoring the proceedings and expect a process that is impartial, transparent and guided solely by the rule of law,” Suraju added. HEDA reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and integrity in public institutions. The organisation pledged to continue monitoring corruption-related cases and advocating for stronger institutional reforms that promote good governance and safeguard public resources.

CategoriesHEDA News

OPL 245: HEDA Hails Acquittal of Italian Prosecutors, Says Judgment Strengthens Global Anti-Corruption Efforts

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has welcomed the decision of Italy’s highest court, the Court of Cassation, acquitting Milan prosecutors Fabio De Pasquale and Sergio Spadaro of all allegations relating to their handling of the OPL 245 corruption trial.  The civil society organisation in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, described the judgment as a victory for the global anti-corruption movement and a strong affirmation of the need to protect prosecutors and anti-corruption institutions from intimidation, harassment, and politically motivated reprisals. Reacting to the ruling, Suraju maintained that the acquittal reinforces the principle that prosecutors pursuing complex corruption cases involving powerful corporate and political interests must be allowed to carry out their responsibilities without fear of persecution. “The decision of the Court of Cassation is a welcome development and a vindication of the prosecutors who dedicated years of their professional lives to pursuing one of the world’s most significant corruption cases. The judgment sends a powerful message that anti-corruption efforts must not be undermined through actions capable of discouraging investigators and prosecutors from carrying out their lawful duties,” Suraju added. According to HEDA, the OPL 245 scandal remains a defining symbol of the challenges confronting international efforts to combat illicit financial flows, grand corruption, and the abuse of public resources. The organisation noted that while legal proceedings may produce different outcomes across jurisdictions, the pursuit of accountability in matters of public interest must never be criminalised. The group further stressed that the acquittal should serve as a wake-up call to governments across the world to strengthen the independence of anti-corruption agencies, prosecutorial authorities, and judicial institutions. “No country can win the fight against corruption if its anti-corruption agencies are subjected to political interference, intimidation, or institutional capture. Effective anti-corruption enforcement depends on independent institutions that are adequately protected and empowered to investigate and prosecute wrongdoing wherever the evidence leads,” Suraju added. The organisation warned that attempts to weaken anti-corruption institutions, whether through political pressure, budgetary constraints, or legal harassment of investigators and prosecutors, ultimately benefit corrupt actors and undermine public confidence in democratic governance. HEDA therefore called on governments, international organisations, and development partners to recommit themselves to safeguarding the operational independence of anti-corruption bodies and ensuring accountability mechanisms that promote integrity without compromising institutional autonomy. The organisation reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and international cooperation in the fight against corruption and urged stakeholders across the globe to draw lessons from the judgment in strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Shell logo CategoriesHEDA News

Explosive new documents reveal how Shell executives mismanaged environmental failings in Nigeria

LONDON – Newly released emails from oil giant Shell reveal how its senior executives tried to shift blame and avoid responsibility from devastating oil spills that caused widespread environmental damage in Nigeria. Newly released documents raise serious questions about Shell’s legal liability, after its lawyers have spent a decade arguing in court that oil spills and environmental damage caused by operations in Nigeria were the sole responsibility of its subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC). The documents – including email correspondence, internal memos, presentations and reports – show that not only were senior executives of then parent company Royal Dutch Shell aware of the environmental damage, but were directing subsidiary management how to respond. This included knowingly leaving illegal pipeline connections in place to keep production running and mounting a public relations campaign to deflect public scrutiny. The company has faced widespread criticism over its operations in Nigeria, including a 2023 commission describing an “environmental genocide” that has been “devastating for the health, livelihoods, way of life and wellbeing of individuals and local communities”. A large spill in the Billeand Ogale communities of the Niger Delta is currently the subject of a class action filed by lawyers Leigh Day in the English High Courts. The explosive documents were brought to light when a group of campaigners noted their existence during these legal proceedings and requested their release. The not-for-profit organisations who sought the release of the sensitive documents from the company included Nigerian human rights organisation HEDA (Human & Environmental Development Agenda) and Hawkmoth. Executives named in the recent documents include Shell’s then Executive Vice President for Sub-Saharan Africa Ann Pickard, who is now a Director of Australia’s Woodside Energy; Royal Dutch Shell Board Member Malcolm Brinded, Shell International E&P Donald Jacobsen; and, Vice Shell International’s President of Corporate Security, James Hall. Revelations from the documents include: In a 2016 witness statement filed at the start of ongoing legal proceedings, Royal Dutch Shell’s then company secretary Michiel Brandjes stated that: “Royal Dutch Shell is a holding company, not an operating company” and that, “neither [RDS’s] Board nor its Executives ever intended to or acted in a manner which would suggest RDS has “assumed responsibility” for those matters at operating company level. RDS does not exercise operational “control over (Health, Safety, Security & Environment) practices of SPDC’s operations in Nigeria”. Reacting to the document release Olanrewaju Suraju, Chair of HEDA Resource Centre, said: “These documents confirm what our communities have known for decades, that Shell knowingly misled communities and courts while the Niger Delta was left to suffer. “For ten years they hid behind legal fiction and now their own emails and internal documents prove it: they knew environmental damage would occur and they chose to keep polluting. “Every day Shell escapes accountability is another day our people pay with their health, their land, and their lives. Divestment from onshore operations is not an excuse to abdicate liabilities with these revelations.” Hawkmoth and HEDA Resource Centre

CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Calls for Peaceful, Issue-Based Campaigns Ahead of 2027 Elections, Urges Politicians to Uphold June 12 Democratic Ideals

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called on political parties, aspirants, candidates, supporters, and other stakeholders to ensure that preparations for the 2027 general elections are guided by the democratic values exemplified by the June 12 struggle and its enduring legacy of credible electoral participation, national unity, and respect for the will of the people. In a statement issued and signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation emphasised that the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists and millions of Nigerians in the struggle for democratic governance must not be undermined by violence, hate speech, vote buying, voter intimidation, or other practices capable of eroding public confidence in the electoral process. The group noted that as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 polls, the focus should remain on issue-based campaigns that address the pressing concerns of Nigerians, including economic recovery, security, education, healthcare, anti-corruption reforms, youth development, environmental sustainability, and institutional accountability. “The essence of democracy is to provide citizens with informed choices based on ideas, competence, and vision not fear, coercion, or financial inducement. The 2027 elections should reflect the highest standards of electoral integrity and serve as another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.” Suraju stated. The anti-corruption organisation strongly condemned the culture of vote buying and vote selling, warning that the monetisation of elections weakens democratic institutions, compromises governance, and perpetuates corruption by encouraging elected officials to recover illicit campaign expenditures at the expense of public welfare. HEDA also expressed concern over the recurring incidents of political violence and electoral bloodshed witnessed in previous election cycles, urging political actors to reject inflammatory rhetoric, the recruitment of thugs, and all forms of intimidation capable of disrupting peaceful participation by voters. The organisation called on security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and the media to intensify voter education and strengthen mechanisms that deter electoral offences while ensuring a level playing field for all contestants. “As the nation reflects on the significance of June 12, Nigerians must collectively insist that the 2027 elections are conducted in an atmosphere free from violence, manipulation, and corruption. Democracy thrives when campaigns are based on ideas and elections reflect the genuine choice of the people,” he added. HEDA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting electoral integrity, transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, stressing that peaceful, credible, and issue-driven elections remain indispensable to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation and sustainable development.

CategoriesHEDA News

HEDA Applauds Olukoyede’s Anti-Corruption Reforms Within EFCC

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, for demonstrating a commitment to institutional integrity through the disciplinary actions taken against officials found culpable of misconduct and corrupt practices. In a statement signed by HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society organisation described the decision to dismissed one of its top prosecutors Samuel Chime and others after an investigative panel found them guilty of receiving bribes to sabotage cases as a bold and commendable step towards strengthening public confidence in the nation’s foremost anti-corruption agency. “Holding public officers accountable, regardless of their position, is essential to preserving the credibility of anti-corruption institutions. The action taken by the EFCC leadership sends a strong signal that misconduct and abuse of office will not be tolerated within the Commission,” the statement said. “We are also calling on the EFCC chairman to ensure that Mr. Chime and other corrupt officers who were sacked are brought to book to face the full wrath of the law. The anti-corruption agencies must continually uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability in order to maintain public trust and effectively discharge their mandates.” According to Suraju, the fight against corruption must begin within institutions entrusted with enforcing accountability, stressing that internal cleansing and institutional discipline are necessary for building a credible and effective anti-corruption framework. The organisation also called for the protection of citizens against abuse of power, selective enforcement, and unethical conduct by public officials, noting that fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law remain fundamental principles of effective anti-corruption governance. HEDA reaffirmed its support for efforts aimed at strengthening accountability institutions and promoting integrity, transparency, and justice in Nigeria’s public sector.

CategoriesArticles Climate change HEDA News

SCP 2026: HEDA TRAINS OVER 500 FARMERS, STAKEHOLDERS IN LOCAL LANGUAGES ACROSS 17 STATES ON SEASONAL CLIMATE FORECAST

In its continual efforts to bridge the information gap between smallholder farmers and climate science, HEDA Resource Centre has trained and sensitised over 500 farmer leaders, cooperative representatives, extension actors, and agricultural stakeholders on the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in local languages across 17 states and all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The just-concluded four-day hybrid training programme jointly organized by HEDA Resource Centre, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Country Women Association of Nigeria (COWAN), Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), and Association of Small Scale AgroProducers in Nigeria (ASSAPIN), was designed to improve farmers’ access to climate information and strengthen their ability to understand, analyse, and utilise seasonal climate forecasts for agricultural decision-making. The initiative also aimed at breaking the communication gap between climate forecasts, policy discussions, and practical implementation at community level. The programme deliberately mobilised participants with strong community reach and influence, including members of farmer cooperatives, extension networks, women farmer groups, and local agricultural associations who are in turn expected to further share lessons from the training within their communities and support wider awareness on climate-smart farming practices during the 2026 farming season. The programme combined virtual training with physical community participation. While sessions were delivered online, local partners across several states mobilised and gathered participants in central locations where they jointly participated in the training and sensitisation sessions. This approach ensured that farmers without smartphones, stable internet access, or digital literacy were not excluded from the programme. Speaking on the initiative, HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, noted that the gap between climate science and the farmer’s field remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing and underappreciated challenges. “Climate information is only useful when the people most affected can understand and apply it. This training is our commitment to closing that gap, not just in English, but in local languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and Pidgin which our farmers speak and understand,” Arigbabu said. The training recorded seven sessions held over four days, covering states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Niger, Kaduna, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Lagos, Ogun, Benue, Nasarawa, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Bayelsa, Plateau, and Taraba. Participants included smallholder crop farmers, livestock keepers, fisheries and aquaculture practitioners, extension agents, agricultural researchers, cooperatives, and personnel from State Ministries of Agriculture. The sessions guided participants through the practical implications of the 2026 SCP for planting calendars and crop variety selection, flood risk awareness and early warning, livestock management under variable rainfall conditions, fisheries and aquaculture planning, soil and water conservation, and post-harvest loss reduction strategies. Lessons also focused on practical actions farmers can take before and during the farming season to improve resilience and food production despite changing climate conditions. Meanwhile, HEDA has called on institutions across sub-nationals, particularly State Ministries of Agriculture across the 36 states, to build on this momentum by ensuring that the 2026 SCP is further cascaded to local government and community levels before and during the planting season. The organization maintained that state governments must work more closely with NiMet to localize climate predictions for their specific agricultural zones and leverage state-owned radio and broadcast media to reach farmers who may not be accessible through virtual platforms. Similarly, the group urged the Federal Government, through its relevant agencies, to invest in expanding community-level climate information systems and extension support. According to HEDA, trained individuals embedded within farming communities can play an important role in translating technical weather and climate advisories into practical guidance that farmers can use throughout the farming season.

Sadiya Umar Farouq CategoriesHEDA News

Alleged N37bn Fraud: HEDA Commends EFCC Move Against Ex-Minister Sadiya Farouq

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for declaring former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds amounting to about N37 billion. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the organisation described the development as a significant step in the fight against corruption and a demonstration that no public official should be above accountability, regardless of status or political affiliation. The anti-corruption organisation recalled that it had earlier welcomed the court order directing the arrest of the former minister and demanded swift investigation and prosecution of all individuals implicated in the alleged fraud linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Suraju, the allegations surrounding the mismanagement of humanitarian intervention funds represent a grave betrayal of public trust, especially considering that the funds were meant for vulnerable Nigerians facing poverty, displacement, and economic hardship. “HEDA commends the EFCC for taking the bold step of declaring the former minister wanted following allegations involving the diversion of public funds meant for humanitarian purposes and her subsequent failure to appear for court summons. This action sends a strong message that accountability must prevail in public service,” the statement said. The group further urged the EFCC and other relevant anti-graft agencies not to relent until justice is served and all looted public funds are recovered. The organisation stressed that anti-corruption efforts must go beyond media publicity and result in diligent prosecution, asset recovery, and institutional reforms capable of preventing future abuse of public resources. HEDA also called on citizens with useful information regarding the whereabouts of the former minister to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the interest of justice and national accountability. The civil society group reiterated its longstanding position that corruption within social intervention programmes undermines national development, deepens inequality, and erodes public confidence in government institutions. HEDA urged the Federal Government to strengthen transparency mechanisms within ministries, departments, and agencies handling public welfare and intervention programmes to ensure accountability and effective service delivery.