CORPORATE 

ACCOUNTABILITY

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST FORCED LABOUR IN COCOA INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA PROGRAMME 2023

About the Campaign Programme: African Law Foundation (AFRILAW) implemented the Campaign Against Forced Labour in Cocoa Industry in Nigeria Programme in collaboration with key government policymakers such as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Federal and State Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development and Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) in Abuja and the 5 States of Cross-River, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Ondo States for a period of 2 months (October-November). The Goal of the Campaign programme is to raise awareness and sensitize the key stakeholders and general public about the working conditions and evidence of forced labour documented in the cocoa producing states of Cross-River, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Ondo States, disseminate the forced labour research and investigation report, and generate a productive conversation among the public and key stakeholders toward the reduction of forced labour and improved working condition of individuals in the cocoa industry in Nigeria.

 THE CAMPAIGN PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES:

• PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF THE FORCED LABOUR RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION REPORT AND NATIONAL LAUNCHING OF THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST FORCED LABOUR IN COCOA INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA:

The Public Presentation of the Forced Labour Research and Investigation Report and Launching of the Campaign against Forced labour in cocoa industry in Nigeria Programme was held on Thursday October 12, 2023 at the Conference Hall, National Human Rights Commission, Maitama, Abuja. There were about 53 (Fifty-Three) participants which comprised of federal government Ministries, Departments and Agencies including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), CFAN Representatives led by its National President, CSOs and Media Organizations. The Progarmme was Chaired by the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission who also made the official presentation of the Forced Labour Research and Investigation Report and launched the Campaign Against Forced Labour in Cocoa Industry in Nigeria to the participants and the general public. 

Group Photograph of participants with the Campaign Placards.

The Executive Secretary NHRC and Members of the High Table Presenting and Lunching the Reports

Members of the High Table with the Campaign Placard

• STATE STAKEHOLDERS FORUM ON THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST FORCED LABOUR IN COCOA INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA AT THE 5 MAJOR COCOA PRODUCING STATES:

AFRILAW upon the successful Public Presentation and Launching of the Forced Labour Research and Investigation Report and Flag off of the Campaign Against Forced Labour in Cocoa Industry in Nigeria began the Campaign in the 5 selected States of Cross-River, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Osun State. 

• CROSS-RIVER STATE STAKEHOLDERS FORUM:

The Cross-River State Stakeholders forum was held on Thursday October 26, 2023 at Marian Hotel, Calabar, Cross-River State. There were about 77 (Seventy-Seven) participants which comprised of federal government Ministries, Departments and Agencies including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), CFAN Representatives led by its State Coordinator, CSOs and Media Organizations.

Group Picture of Participants with the Reports

Members of the High Table with the Reports

Members of the High Table with the Campaign Placards

• OGUN STATE STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM:

Ogun State Stakeholders forum was held on Tuesday October 31, 2023 at IBD International, Abeokuta, Ogun State. There were about 65 (Sixty-Five) participants which comprised of participants which comprised of federal government Ministries, Departments and Agencies including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), CFAN Representatives led by its State Coordinator, CSOs and Media Organizations. 

Group Photograph of participants with the reports

Members of the High Table with the reports

Group Photograph of participants with the Campaign Placards.

• OYO STATE STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM:

Oyo State Stakeholders forum was held on Thursday November 2, 2023 at ADIS Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State. There were about 59 (Fifty-Nine) participants which comprised of participants which comprised of federal government Ministries, Departments and Agencies including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), CFAN Representatives led by its State Coordinator, CSOs and Media Organizations. 

• ONDO STATE STAKEHOLDRES FORUM:

Ondo State Stakeholders forum was held on Tuesday November 7, 2023 at Imperial Hotel, Akure, Ondo State. There were about 63 (Sixty-three) participants which comprised of participants which comprised of federal government Ministries, Departments and Agencies including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), CFAN Representatives led by its State Coordinator, CSOs and Media Organizations.  

Members of the High Table with the Reports.

Group Photograph of participants with the Campaign Placards

Members of the High Table with the Campaign Placards 

• OSUN STATE STAKEHOLDERS FORUM:

Osun State Stakeholders forum was held on Thursday November 9, 2023 at Royal Continental Suites, Osogbo, Osun State. There were about 97 (Ninety-Seven) participants which comprised of participants which comprised of federal government Ministries, Departments and Agencies including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), CFAN Representatives led by its State Coordinator, CSOs and Media Organizations.  

Members of the High Table with the Reports

Group Photograph of participants with the Campaign Placards

PROJECT ACHIEVMENTS AND OUTCOMES:

• About 400 persons and members of the general public were informed, sensitized and became aware of the information on the sensitized on the Research and Investigation Report and working conditions of individuals in the cocoa industry across the 5 major cocoa producing states of Cross-River, Ondo, Ogun and Oyo States and Abuja through the various media reports and distribution of Research and Investigation Reports.
• About 400 stakeholders including key federal, states and local government ministries, departments and agencies, CSOs/INGOs/NGOs, Farmers Associations/Groups, Community-Based Groups, Organized Labour and Business Organizations/Associations and Media Organizations were sensitized on the State Research and Investigation Report and working conditions of individuals in the cocoa industry across the 5 major cocoa producing states of Cross-River, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States and Abuja through the various stakeholders forum.
• Public presentation and dissemination of the Forced Labour Research and Investigation Report to the key stakeholders and national launching of the Campaign Against Forced Labour in Cocoa Industry in Nigeria at Abuja and across the 5 major cocoa producing states of Cross-River, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States.
• Improved stakeholders’ engagement and sensitization towards the reduction of forced labour and improved working conditions of individuals in the cocoa industry in Nigeria particularly in the 5 major cocoa producing states of Cross-River, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States.
• Increased public information and awareness on the working conditions and evidence of forced labour documented in the 5 major cocoa producing states of Cross-River, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Oyo State.
• Reduction in the rate and cases of forced labour in the cocoa industry in Nigeria particularly in the major cocoa producing states of Cross-River, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States.
• Improved working conditions of individuals within the cocoa industry in Nigeria particularly in the major cocoa producing States of Cross-River, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States.
• Improved legal reform and law enforcement toward the reduction of forced labour and improved working conditions of individuals within the cocoa industry in Nigeria particularly in the major cocoa producing States of Cross-River, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States.
• Improved policy reform and effective policy action toward the reduction of forced labour and improved working conditions of individuals within the cocoa industry in Nigeria particularly in the major cocoa producing States of Cross-River, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States.
• Launching of a National Campaign Network against forced labour in cocoa industry in Nigeria and the improved working conditions of individuals within the cocoa industry in Nigeria particularly in the major cocoa producing States of Cross-River, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States.

THE INVESTIGATION OF FORCED LABOUR IN COCOA SECTOR IN NIGERIA PROJECT 2022-2023

About the Project: AFRILAW in partnership with Corporate Accountability Lab (CAL) with funding support from Freedom Fund implemented the investigation of forced labour in cocoa sector in Nigeria project. The goal of this project is to gather documentary evidence of the prevalence of forced labour including child labour in Nigeria by working with a team of state research and investigation experts and local community members to conduct a fact-finding mission on various cocoa farms in the 5 states, and collect documentary evidence of forced labour on multiple farms to highlight that the problem is widespread, and to trace these farms to buyers importing into the U.S. market. This fact-finding mission will target both legal and illegal plantations located within 5 states. The main objective of the project is to conduct on-the-ground investigations and collect evidence of forced labour in cocoa supply chain in Nigeria that are entering the U.S and providing this information as a petition to U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The forced labour investigation was carried out in over 90 cocoa farms in 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in five States of Cross-River, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States of Nigeria. The project started on September 1, 2022 for a twelve (12) month duration.

PROJECTS KEY ACTIVITIES IN 2022:

• MAPPING OF COCOA PLANTATION LOCATIONS/AREAS AND CONDUCT OF SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT IN THE FIVE (5) PROJECT STATES:

AFRILAW gave each of the state research and investigator a preliminary assignment to carry out mapping of all cocoa plantations located in their respective states to identify the communities and villages with cocoa plantations. Also, to conduct a security risk assessment of their respective states and in particular the cocoa plantation locations and areas. 

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• THE 2-DAY PROJECT RESEARCH TEAM TRAINING WORKSHOP:

The ED of AFRILAW together with the project team began earnest preparations for the 2-day project research team training workshop slated to hold on October 31^st –November 1^st 2022. The partners from Corporate Accountability Lab (CAL) were supposed to join us for the training physically but could not due to the insecurity issues in the country and would be joining virtually. The preparations for the workshop entailed covering flight tickets of the ten (10) investigators from their respective states down to Abuja, hotel accommodation and feeding for three (3) nights.

The training workshop was held at Topview Hotel, Abuja on October 31^st – November 1^st, 2022. The ten (10) investigators arrived the hotel on October 30^th, 2022 for the workshop training, while our partners attended virtually. The ED of AFRILAW discussed on the objective of the project, the outputs and an overview of the project. The investigators were also taught understanding the International Labour Organization (ILO) indicators and how to identify them on the field as well as interviewing methodology and how to gather evidence. On day two (2) of the training workshop, the investigators were taught security practices, how to come up with a cover story and given an assignment to come up with one and prepare a work plan for the field work to be conducted by their respective states. They were also taught how to make use of the research equipment’s and materials. They went further to have an equipment demonstration. Afterwards the procured field work/ investigation equipment’s were handed over to the investigators.

Presentation of Fieldwork and Investigation Materials to State Investigators by AFRILAW ED: 

• RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION FIELD WORK DURING MAIN CROP HARVEST SEASON FROM NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY 2023:

The research and investigation team commenced fieldwork in their respective states according to the field work plan submitted by each state team to AFRILAW. The fieldwork will be for a period of not less than nine (9) weeks starting November 7, 2022 to February 2023. AFRILAW project team headed by the ED conducts robust monitoring of the state field work and investigation activities with the use of the state field work and investigation plan submitted by the research and investigation team of each state. Also, each state team submits a comprehensive monthly report on the field work activities to AFRILAW.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES FOR 2023: 

• THE 1-DAY PROJECT RESEARCH REPORT DEVELOPMENT MEETING HELD ON MARCH 4, 2023 AT TOPVIEW HOTEL, ABUJA, NIGERIA: 

AFRILAW implemented the 1-Day Project Research Report Development Meeting as part of the project activities. CAL representatives, (Ms. Charity Ryerson and her Associate Ms. Allie Brudney) attended the meeting physically. The meeting was held for the State Investigator Team Leads. The purpose of the meeting was for the State Team Leads to make presentations of their submitted final reports and Affidavit during the meeting while the CAL representatives are to review the Reports and the Affidavits. We had in attendance a total of thirty (10) persons (5 females and 5 male) which comprised of five (5) State investigator team leads, two (2) CAL Partners and three (3) AFRILAW staff.

Ms Charity ED CAL asking questions and commenting on the reports

Ms Allie of CAL commenting and asking questions on the reports

AFRILAW ED Presenting gifts to CAL 

AFRILAW AND CAL REPRESENTATIVES

• DOCUMENTING EVIDENCE OF FORCED LABOUR INDICATORS IN TARGET SITES AND DEVELOPING AND SUBMISSION OF SECTION 307 PETITION TO CONTROL BORDER PROTECTION (CBP): 

AFRILAW and CAL representatives upon receipt of the collated state research and investigation reports, the approved affidavits, the research and document of cocoa supply chain links, the draft final research and investigation report, as well as all evidence gathered during the fieldwork activities in the selected states of Cross-River, Osun, Ondo, Ogun and Oyo which includes: videos, audio recordings and pictures by AFRILAW Project Team led by the Executive Director began the draft of the Section 307 petition. The Section 307 petition, contains recently-acquired evidence of forced labor, child trafficking, and forced child labor on cocoa farms in Nigeria. The information in the petition provides “reason to believe” that cocoa imported from Nigeria is produced “wholly or in part” with forced labor. The petition has successfully been submitted upon final approval from AFRILAW and CAL and receipt of which has been acknowledged. 

• DOCUMENTATION AND PUBLICATION OF THE RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION REPORT ON FORCED LABOUR AND CHILD LABOUR IN THE COCOA INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA:

AFRILAW Project Team led by the ED published the report on the on-the-ground investigations and collected evidence of forced labour in cocoa supply chain in the five (5) selected States in Nigeria which include; Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Cross-River. The title of the report is “The Scourge of Forced Labour and Child Labour in the Cocoa Supply Chain”. The public presentation of the report was held on Thursday October 12, 2023 at Abuja.

Key Results and Achievements:

• Conducted on-the-ground investigations and collected evidence of forced labour in cocoa supply chain in the five (5) selected States in Nigeria which include; Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Cross-River.
• Documented the collected evidences of forced labour which information will be used as a petition to U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP). 
• Gathered and documented evidence that force labour and child labour is increasing in cocoa supply chain in Nigeria with the growing export to the U.S and other western countries.
• Gathered and documented evidence to show that Nigeria needs to be included as part of the Child Labor Cocoa Coordinating Group (CLCCG) just like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
• Gathered and documented evidence of the prevalence of forced labour including child labour in Nigeria.
• Research and documented supply chain links between target areas and cocoa imports in to the United States.
• Drafted Section 307 petition, documenting evidence of forced labour indicators in target sites and US export links, with technical assistance form CAL.
• Published the report on the on-the-ground investigations and collected evidence of forced labour in cocoa supply chain in the five (5) selected States in Nigeria which include; Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Cross-River.
• The public presentation of the Forced Labour Research and Investigation Report.
• The sensitization of key stakeholders and the general public on the information on the Research and working conditions of individuals in the cocoa industry across the 5 major cocoa producing states of Cross-River, Ondo, Ogun and Oyo States and Abuja through the various media reports and distribution of the Research Investigation Reports.

THE COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH ON HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE PALM OIL SUPPLY CHAIN IN NIGERIA PROJECT 

 (AUGUST TO NOVEMBER 2022)

About the Project: African Law Foundation (AFILAW) with fund support and partnership from the Forest People Programme (FPP) and Zero Tolerance Initiative (ZTI) UK implemented community-based research on Human Rights Violations in The Palm Oil Supply Chain in Nigeria. The project was implemented in selected 5 communities in Edo State of Nigeria and is informed by the increasing spate of conflicts, violence and community protests against the operations of major oil palm companies operating in Nigeria particularly in Edo State which has the highest number of major companies in Nigeria. It conducted a mapping of the conflicts and documented evidence of human and community rights violations in the oil palm supply chain by major oil palm companies operating in Edo state, southern Nigeria. The 5 host oil palm communities are; Okomu communities, Odiguetue, Orhua, Ozalla and Uzebba and spread across 4 local government areas in Edo state. The key objective of the project is to conduct community-based research and collect evidence of violations of community rights by major oil palm companies operating in Edo state. With the draft community research report, we intend to provide greater understanding of the prevailing cases of community and human rights violations and nature of conflicts.  

PROJECT ACTIVITIES:

• Pre-Research Community Mapping, Consultation and Meetings:

Mapping exercise was conducted by the Research Consultant and five (5) communities were selected. The 5 selected communities are; Odiguetue, Orhua, Ozalla, Uzebba and Okomu. However, only four of the selected communities were visited for consultations and meetings with the Community leaders and representatives to inform them about the project and ensure their buy-in and active participation during the community research exercise period. “Okomu” one of the selected community could not be visited because of high level of insecurity caused by community conflicts with the palm oil company at the time of the community consultation and meetings.

• Research Team Consultation and Meeting at Odiguetue:

• Research Team Consultation and Meeting at Orhua Community:

• Research Team Consultation and Meeting at Ozalla Community:

• Research Team Consultation and Meeting at Uzebba Community:

• THE 2-DAY RESEARCH TEAM TRAINING WORKSHOP AT BENIN, EDO STATE:  

The 2-Day Research Team Training Workshop was held on September 8 and 9, 2022 at Lucas Hotel and Suites, Benin City, Edo State. The participants/enumerators were given an overview of the project by the ED of AFRILAW and charged not to document fake information during the data collection process so that the information presented is authentic and also emphasized the need to find out the extent of gender and social inclusion, how these companies has impacted on the women gender as they are the ones mostly at risk. The methodology for conducting the research was also thought to the enumerators by the Consultant as well as a question and answer session.

AFRILAW ED making a presentation

Research Consultant making a presentation

Workshop Facilitator/Moderator making a presentation

Cross Section of the Data Collectors/Community Researchers

• COMMUNITY RESEARCH FIELD WORK ACTIVITIES:

The field work activities lasted for a one month period. The enumerators of each of the 5 selected community engaged their community leaders, community gate keepers, and community members to achieve their aim. They administered their questionnaires and submitted to the consultant in record time. 

• RESEARCH ANALYSIS AND REPORT DEVELOPMENT:

The data collectors/community researchers upon conclusion of the field work submitted the answered questionnaires to the Research Consultant who carried out an initial cleanup of the data and development of a preliminary analysis and research report. Afterwards, he submitted the reviewed data and preliminary analysis and research report to AFRILAW ED for further review, analysis and report development. The draft research report was thereafter sent to Dr. Kendi, the ZTI Africa Focal Point for her review and feedback. Then, the final draft research report was developed and submitted to FPP/ZTI Global for the approval for the draft research report and the follow up activities including publication of the research report, public presentation and launching of the report and necessary activities toward the promotion and protection of the human rights and community rights of palm oil host communities in Nigeria.

Key Project Results & Achievements:

• The implementation of the community-based research on Human Rights violations in the palm oil supply chain in Nigeria.
• Key evidences of violations of community rights by major oil palm companies operating in Edo state, southern Nigeria were collected.
• Increased knowledge and understanding of the prevailing cases of community rights violations by major oil palm companies operating in Nigeria.
• Provided a broad-based collaboration with the impacted host communities and the integration of the knowledge gained to design intervention and advocacy for policy and social change.
• Research experts and community members with local knowledge and skills shared experiences and learnt from each other in ways that produce greater in-depth understanding of the realities on ground.
• Increased capacity building of civil society organizations (CSOs), policy makers as well as businesses and improved their understanding and respect of human rights in institutional and community-company relations.

THE VPs SENSITIZATION AND TRAINING OF GMoU CLUSTER COMMUNITIES IN DELTA AND IMO STATE PROJECT

(2023)

About the Project: African Law Foundation (AFRILAW) in partnership with the Nigeria Working Group on the VPs (NWGPs) and supported by the Voluntary Principles Initiative (VPIs) implemented the VPs Sensitization and Training of GMoU Cluster Communities in Delta and Imo State. The goal of the training programme is to sensitize and improve the knowledge of selected leaders in GMoU clusters communities in Delta and Imo States on VPs and their capacity to address conflicts and security related issues arising from extractive activities in their communities.

The key objectives of the training programme are; to raise awareness of issues related to security and human rights that need to be addressed by the GMoU clusters communities; to engage with selected leaders in the GMoU clusters communities to improve their understanding of human rights and increase awareness of the role they can play in ensuring their community security; and to build the capacity of selected leaders in the GMoU clusters communities in addressing conflicts and security related arising from extractive activities in their communities. The Community Sensitization and Training programme was a 1-Day workshop and implemented in January 2023.  

Project Activities Implemented: 

The project activities carried out under this project include; 

In line with the work plan, AFRILAW Project Team led by the Executive Director began earnest preparation for the Sensitization and Training Programme of GMoU cluster communities in both Delta and Imo State. The team liaised with the representatives of both states to mobilize GMoU community leaders including women, youths and persons living with disabilities who will be attending the training programme as participants and upon successful mobilization of 30 (Thirty) participants, 15 (fifteen) per state. The state representatives and the AFRILAW project team agreed on dates for the sensitization programme. 

The VPs sensitization and training programme of GMoU cluster communities in Imo State was scheduled was held on January 25^th, 2023 while that of Delta State was on January 31^st, 2023.

• VPs SENSITIZATION AND TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR GMOU CLUSTER COMMUNITIES IN IMO STATE:

The training programme was held on January 25^th 2023 at Cleen Foundation Conference Room Owerri, Imo State. About 15 Community members including women and youths participated in the training programme, and was chaired by the Chairman of the Ohaji/Egbema Cluster Community. They were trained on the following topics; Understanding Human Rights, Business and Human Right and Extractive Industry in Nigeria and Security and Human Right.

The ED AFRILAW making his presentation

Mr Arinze Ojukwu of LITE-AFRICA taking his presentation

Cross-session of participants

• VPs SENSITIZATION AND TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR GMOU CLUSTER COMMUNITIES IN DELTA STATE:

The African Law Foundation in partnership with LITE-Africa organized the 2^nd one day sensitization and training workshop for GMoU Cluster Communities in Delta State held at EGCDF Office, 15 Gulf road off Airport Road, Effurun, Delta State on Tuesday January 31, 2023 by 10:00am. About 15 Community members including women and youths participated in the training programme, and was chaired by the Chairman of the EGCDF.

Barr. Chinwike taking his presentation

Mr Arinze Ojukwu of LITE-AFRICA making presentation

Cross-Session of participants

Key Results and Achievements:

• Increased awareness on issues related to security and human rights was addressed by the GMoU clusters communities;
• There was high engagement with selected leaders in the GMoU clusters communities to improve their understanding of human rights and increase awareness of the role they can play in ensuring their community security; and 
• Increased capacity building of selected leaders in the GMoU clusters communities in addressing conflicts and security related arising from extractive activities in their communities.