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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the National Assembly to disclose all documents related to the ₦37 billion renovation of the National Assembly complex.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in his judgment on Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/51/2022 ruled in favour of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), which filed the suit through its counsel, Seidu Mohammed.
The court directed the legislature to provide HEDA with details of the proposal, assessment, and procedures that led to the initial ₦37 billion estimate, the actual amount approved, the funds allocated, and the disbursements made so far.
Justice Nwite maintained that the request fell squarely within the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
“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 held.
Reacting to the ruling, Chairman of HEDA, Olanrewaju Suraju, described the judgment as a landmark victory for transparency and accountability in governance.
“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.
He urged the legislature to comply without delay and called on citizens to take advantage of the ruling in demanding openness from public institutions.
HEDA also appealed to stakeholders, including civil society organisations and the media, to join in the push for transparency.
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