FOI: Activist Challenges ₦100m Fee for Access to Kano Project Records
A human rights and anti-corruption activist, Comrade Umar Ibrahim Umar, has condemned the Kano State Ministry of Works over a demand of ₦100 million as a “process fee” for access to information on constituency projects, describing the move as unlawful and a violation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
Umar, who is the Executive Director of War Against Injustice, accused the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Marwan Ahmed, of attempting to frustrate transparency and evade accountability through what he termed an “excessive and illegal” charge.
The controversy stems from a formal request submitted on October 10, 2025, seeking details of constituency projects in Kano State.
According to the activist, the ministry failed to respond to the request for several months, prompting him to approach the Kano State High Court, which granted leave for the matter to be heard substantively.
However, just days before the scheduled hearing, the ministry reportedly responded to the request with a demand for ₦100 million as a condition for releasing the information.
Reacting to the development, Umar described the fee as a deliberate attempt to obstruct access to public information.
“This is not just outrageous; it is illegal. The FOI Act is clear that any fee charged must be limited to the cost of duplication and transcription. ₦100 million is nothing but an attempt to frustrate lawful access to information,” he said.
He cited Section 7(5) of the FOI Act, which criminalises the wrongful denial of access to public information, warning that such actions undermine democratic governance and the rule of law.
The activist said the development raises broader concerns about transparency and accountability in Kano State, particularly within frameworks such as the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
“Access to public information is not a privilege; it is a constitutional right. Citizens have the right to know how public funds are spent. No government official should place a price tag on accountability,” he added.
Umar reaffirmed his determination to pursue the matter in court, stressing that the case goes beyond personal interest and represents a wider struggle to protect civic space, media freedom, and citizens’ rights.
He also called on media organisations, civil society groups, and the public to monitor the case closely and demand accountability from public institutions.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kano State Ministry of Works had yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
The case is expected to test the limits of the FOI Act and the commitment of public institutions to transparency and open governance in Nigeria.
By TimesNG