The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the National Assembly to release all documents relating to the controversial ₦37 billion renovation of the legislative complex.
Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/51/2022, Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the information sought by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) falls within the ambit of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and should not be withheld.
“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,” Justice Nwite said.
The case was instituted by HEDA through its counsel, Seidu Mohammed, after the National Assembly failed to release details of the renovation project.
Reacting to the judgment, HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, described the ruling 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 added.
HEDA also called on the media, civil society groups, and citizens to actively participate in ensuring accountability in the management of public resources.
The court’s decision is expected to intensify scrutiny of how the National Assembly and other public institutions handle budgetary allocations and major capital projects, especially at a time when questions around transparency in governance remain at the forefront of public debate.
