HEDA Sets Five-Point Agenda for New NNPCL Boss, Ojulari

HEDA Sets Five-Point Agenda for New NNPCL Boss, Ojulari

HEDA Resource Centre has urged Engr. Bayo Ojulari, the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to prioritize transparency, accountability, and institutional reforms as he takes over the helms of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Ojulari, who officially assumed office on Friday following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been tasked with steering the NNPCL at a critical juncture for the nation’s economy. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society and anti-corruption organization noted Ojulari’s appointment while setting a five-point agenda for his leadership. Suraju emphasized the importance of transparency in contracting processes and financial disclosures, aligning operations with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). He also highlighted the need for bold anti-corruption measures, including independent audits and investigations into legacy issues such as crude oil theft, procurement fraud, operational inefficiencies, and environmental despoliation of oil corporations “HEDA charged Engr. Ojulari on his appointment calling on him to champion transparency and reform in the oil and gas sector. This is a pivotal moment for the NNPCL to demonstrate commitment to good governance and national interest,” Suraju stated. The organization further urged the new GCEO to focus on rehabilitating Nigeria’s refineries, particularly the Port Harcourt Refinery, to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and enhance energy security. Addressing environmental accountability was also highlighted, with calls for justice and remediation for host communities affected by oil exploration. HEDA further warned against political interference in the NNPCL’s operations, stressing that undue influence could compromise progress and national interest. The group further called on President Tinubu, as the Petroleum Minister, to champion and sustain wholistic implementation of reforms that would reposition the corporation as a globally competitive and transparent entity. Ojulari’s appointment, which replaces Mele Kyari, has been met with mixed feelings from stakeholders. HEDA assured the public of its commitment to monitoring and engaging with stakeholders to ensure accountability and sustainable development in the sector.

April 14, 2025April 15, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako

HEDA News

HEDA Urges Tinubu, NUPRC to Hold Shell Accountable for Environmental Clean-Up

Following the recent reported approval of Shell Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC) $2.4 billion divestment of its onshore assets in the Niger Delta to Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings, The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) strongly urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to ensure that Shell fulfills its obligations by addressing the environmental devastation it has caused in the Niger Delta before finalizing this divestment. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group emphasized that Shell must not be allowed to walk away from decades of environmental degradation, legal liabilities, and social injustices inflicted on host communities. According to Suraju, the reports indicate the divestment was concluded despite ongoing litigations, a court-ordered injunction barring the sale, and over N500 billion in environmental damages being demanded by affected communities. He condemned this development, stating, “This blatant disregard for judicial authority not only undermines Nigeria’s legal system but also sets a dangerous precedence where multinational corporations can evade responsibility with impunity.” Furthermore, HEDA criticized the approval of the transaction without proper consultation with impacted communities, describing it as yet another act of marginalization against local populations whose lives and livelihoods have been severely affected by oil pollution. “Shell has a long history of environmental infractions in the Niger Delta, leaving communities to suffer the consequences of oil spills, gas flaring, and ecosystem destruction. These damages have led to the loss of livelihoods, severe health risks, and the destruction of aquatic and agricultural resources. It is, therefore, unacceptable for Shell to divest its assets without first remediating the affected areas. The burden of cleanup and legal liabilities must not be transferred to the incoming Nigerian operators, who may lack the technical and financial capacity to address these longstanding issues. HEDA aligns with the concerns raised by host communities, environmental groups, and civil society organizations, all of whom have called for a halt to the sale until Shell takes full responsibility for its environmental footprint. “The Federal Government must prioritize justice over profit by ensuring that Shell and its partners commit to a comprehensive and independently monitored cleanup process before exiting the onshore oil sector. Additionally, we are calling on the NUPRC to uphold its regulatory integrity and resist any external pressure that undermines transparency and accountability in the sector. The Commission must act in the best interest of the Nigerian people rather than succumb to corporate or political interests.” The people of the Niger Delta deserve justice, clean water, and a restored environment. HEDA Resource Centre stands firmly with affected communities in demanding that Shell cleans up its mess before exiting. The organization pledges to explore all legal and advocacy channels to ensure that this demand is met.

April 14, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako

HEDA News

HEDA 38th ACSR: Stakeholders Urge President Tinubu to Intensify Anti-Corruption Efforts

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s fight against corruption convened at the 38th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR), organized by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre). They called on President Bola Tinubu to adopt a holistic approach to combat corruption, addressing all sectors and managing public expectations. They also urged the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2022-2026 as a working document. The event, themed “Ethics, Integrity, Corruption Risk Assessments, and Anti-Corruption at National and Sub-National Levels in Nigeria: Sustaining the Fight Against Corruption,” aimed to engage stakeholders in responding to the country’s recent corruption perception rating, addressing pervasive issues of corruption and impunity, and fostering a culture of ethical respect, integrity, and accountability at all levels of governance. Participants emphasized that deterrence remains the best strategy in the fight against corruption. They called for sustained punishment for corrupt individuals and improvements in the quality of investigations and law enforcement. Despite the challenges, participants expressed hope and agreed to intensify efforts to eradicate corruption for Nigeria’s prosperity, social, economic, and political renaissance. Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, decried the state of corruption in Nigeria, describing it as a major obstacle to the country’s development. He urged Nigerians to support law enforcement agencies in holding corrupt persons accountable. He said, “The fight against corruption is for everyone. When you see people being investigated and we have shown you the evidence, don’t join them to carry placards and abuse EFCC, ICPC, and because you are contributing to the problems. All of us must fight this corruption together” Speaking as the keynote speaker on the theme, “Fostering Integrity and Accountability to Reclaim Our Future: Strategies for Combating Corruption and Impunity Across Board in Nigeria,” Prof. Shehu Abdullah identified strong political will and an effective legislative framework as key strategies to combat corruption and impunity in Nigeria. He also urged state actors to prioritize accountability, stating, “Earning the trust and confidence of the citizens through accountability is critical in combating corruption. Involving the people and ensuring the accessibility of civil society are essential.” Prof. Abdullah emphasized the importance of public officials declaring their assets and ensuring such declarations are verified. He called for the strengthening of regimes to prevent corruption and bring corrupt actors to justice. “Despite the importance of prevention, deterrence remains the best option,” he concluded. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) challenged anti-corruption agencies to go beyond prosecuting financial crimes in the courts and actively engage citizens in the fight against corruption. He stressed the importance of framing corruption in ways that resonate with ordinary Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots level. Chairman of HEDA Resource Centre, Olanrewaju Suraju, highlighted the need for political will to enforce and implement anti-corruption laws effectively. He emphasized the critical role of civil society, the media, and the public in promoting transparency and pushing for accountability, especially in an environment where politicians might lack the will to pursue anti-corruption agendas. “The only problem we consistently contend with is the commitment and the will to implement the laws. If we can implement 50 percent of the laws in Nigeria, we will be far better than where we are.” He added. The conference included three key sessions: Leveraging Media, Technology, and Civil Society Partnerships to Combat Impunity and Promote Corruption Prevention; promoting Judicial Independence, Rule of Law, and Ethical Leadership for Integrity in Public and Private Sectors; and Enhancing Integrity and Accountability in the Public Sector to Strengthen Anti-Corruption Agencies and Combat Grand Corruption for Sustainable Governance. Participants concluded the conference with a renewed sense of hope and commitment to intensifying efforts to combat corruption, ensuring Nigeria’s leadership in the regional and international arena.

March 14, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako