The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the National Assembly to release all documents relating to the controversial ₦37 billion renovation of the National Assembly complex.
In a ruling delivered in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/51/2022, Justice Emeka Nwite directed the legislative body to provide comprehensive details to the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), which filed the case through its legal counsel, Seidu Mohammed.
Justice Nwite ruled that the requested documents fall within the scope of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, stating that the National Assembly had no legal basis to withhold the information.
“The information is simple and harmless. Where an institution like the respondent denies or is deemed to have denied an applicant the instant information sought, it will not only defeat the very purpose of the Act but encourage corruption and financial recklessness,” the judge said.
Reacting to the ruling, HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, described the judgment as a victory for transparency and citizens’ right to know how public funds are being utilised.
“This judgment sets a precedent for public access to information on government projects. We expect the National Assembly to comply fully with the court’s order and provide the required information,” Suraju said.
HEDA urged all stakeholders, including the media, civil society organisations, and the general public,to join in the effort to hold public institutions accountable.
The organisation reiterated the importance of transparency in governance, particularly in the management of public funds.
The judgment is expected to pave the way for increased scrutiny of the financial decisions made by the National Assembly and other arms of government.