In a resolute drive to fortify the nation’s commitment to combat corruption, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has undertaken a comprehensive series of strategic advocacy visits. These efforts, spearheaded by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, seek to amplify the impact of anti-corruption initiatives across various vital institutions and stakeholders. The culmination of HEDA’s endeavors is the presentation of meticulously crafted policy briefs, stemming from the two-day National Anti-Corruption Conference, aimed at addressing pivotal aspects of the anti-corruption landscape.

HEDA’s advocacy initiatives have spanned multiple crucial institutions, including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Nigeria Police Service Commission, and the National Human Rights Commission. These policy briefs extend their purview to encompass institutions as diverse as the Presidency, the National Assembly, anti-graft agencies, the media, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the judiciary.

The core objective of these advocacy visits, as articulated by HEDA Chairman, Suraju, was to reinforce the nation’s anti-corruption efforts by implementing the policies to actively engage stakeholders and the public in the ongoing battle against corruption.

The responses to these initiatives have been resoundingly positive. Dr. Garba Abari, Director-General of NOA, commended HEDA’s pivotal role in shaping the national agenda for a more transparent and accountable Nigeria. He expressed eagerness to seamlessly integrate the policy propositions into NOA’s activities, emphasizing their transformative potential in reshaping public perceptions of corruption.

Similarly, during HEDA’s advocacy visit to the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Ojogbane Fila, Director of Planning and Research Statistics, expressed profound appreciation for the timely presentation of the policy briefs. She recognized their substantial significance, as they stand to become integral components of the ministry’s strategic work plan for the years 2022 to 2026. Mrs. Fila affirmed the ministry’s commitment to active collaboration with HEDA in the continued battle against corruption, acknowledging HEDA’s unwavering dedication to championing anti-corruption initiatives.

HEDA’s advocacy outreach extended to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), where Suraju emphasized the intrinsic connection between corruption and human rights violations. He urged NHRC to play a proactive role in overseeing funds recovered from corruption cases, recognizing the potential for these funds to advance the cause of human rights.

In response, the Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu (SAN), of the NHRC lauded HEDA’s steadfast efforts in combating corruption. He underscored the significance of reinforcing anti-corruption institutions and urged government bodies to enhance the welfare of civil servants, particularly in terms of their wages. Ojukwu also emphasized the importance of synergy among anti-graft agencies in effectively combating corruption.

Further advancing anti-corruption initiatives, HEDA conducted an advocacy visit to the Police Service Commission. The policy briefs presented underscored the pivotal roles and expectations placed upon the Nigeria Police Force and anti-graft agencies in this collective endeavor.

Chairman of Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, praised HEDA for its contributions to national security and anti-corruption efforts. He highlighted the establishment of a Compliance Monitoring Unit (CMU) aimed at monitoring and holding accountable, Police officers who violate human rights. Arase urged the public to report violations by calling 08094767777. He also revealed plans for collaboration with other partners to equip Police officers with essential skills for effective corruption combat, underscoring the critical role of training in their reform efforts.

These collaborative initiatives represent a significant leap in the ongoing campaign against corruption in Nigeria. They exemplify HEDA’s unwavering dedication to this vital cause, uniting various stakeholders and institutions in the collective pursuit of a more transparent, accountable, and corruption-free Nigeria, Suraju said.

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