The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading civil society organization committed to promoting anti-corruption, good governance, and human rights, has called on President Tinubu’s administration to take decisive action in response to the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests. These demonstrations, which have drawn widespread attention, underscore the urgent need for governments to enhance accountability and drastically reduce the cost of governance at all levels.
HEDA, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, stressed that the 10-day protests have amplified the voices of millions of Nigerians demanding transparency, accountability, and truly representative and accountable governments.
Suraju stated, “These widespread protests call for reform and present a unique opportunity for the Governments to make meaningful changes that will not only address the immediate concerns of the protesters but also lay the foundation for sustainable development and good governance in Nigeria.”
The anti-corruption group also urged President Tinubu to seize this moment to implement measures that will curb wasteful spending and ensure that public resources are managed with the utmost integrity in administering interventions.
“The excessive cost of governance has long been a burden on the nation’s economy, diverting much-needed resources from critical sectors such as education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure. Now is the time for the governments at all levels to demonstrate commitments to the people by adopting policies that promote transparency, reduce waste, and prioritize the welfare of all Nigerians,” Suraju maintained.
In the same vein, HEDA further called on State Governors to take similar steps at the states and local governments’ levels, noting that it is imperative for state government to review their budgets, eliminate unnecessary expenditures, and establish mechanisms that will hold public officials accountable.
He added, “The demand for good governance is not limited to the federal level; it is a nationwide call that requires a unified response from all tiers and levels of government.”
As a civil society organization, HEDA Resource Centre remains committed to monitoring the actions of the governments and advocating for the rights of citizens. The anti-corruption advocacy group will continue to hold public officials accountable and support initiatives that promote transparency and good governance.