The Federal High Court in Lagos, Nigeria, has ordered former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadia Umar-Farouk, to provide a detailed account of the N729 billion paid to 24.3 million poor Nigerians over a six-month period.
The court’s decision, delivered by Hon. Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu, follows a Freedom of Information suit (No. FHC/L/CS/853/2021) brought by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
Justice Dipeolu ruled that the former minister must disclose the list and details of beneficiaries, the number of states covered, and payment details for each state. He stated, “The former minister is compelled by the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act to give information to any person including SERAP. I therefore grant an order of mandamus directing and compelling the minister to provide the spending details of N729 billion to 24.3 million poor Nigerians in 2021.”
The court rejected the minister’s objections, stating that SERAP’s suit, filed on July 15, 2021, complied with the Freedom of Information Act’s requirements. The judge emphasized, “SERAP’s request for information was deemed denied on 6th July, which is the expiration of 7 days. Therefore, SERAP has 30 days pursuant to section 20 of the Act to apply to this Court.”
SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare praised the judgment as “a victory for transparency and accountability,” urging President Bola Tinubu to enforce the court’s orders promptly.
