In a significant ruling, Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala of the Federal High Court in Lagos has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to disclose the revenue generated from toll gates and parking lots fees across all federal government-owned airports nationwide. The court’s decision stems from FAAN’s failure to comply with Freedom of Information requests seeking this information from January 2015 to January 2024.
The court deemed FAAN’s refusal to provide the requested information a violation of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, and consequently compelled the agency to furnish the details to the Registered Trustees of the Centre for Law & Civil Culture, a public interest applicant. FAAN has been given a three-month deadline to fulfill this order.
The case, marked FHC/L/CS/1086/2022, was initiated by the applicant after FAAN failed to respond to its Freedom Of Information request dated August 24, 2022, alleging a breach of the FOI Act, 2011. B.O. Fowowe represented the Applicant while A.A. Lawal represented FAAN.
Following hearings and the adoption of written addresses by both parties, the court reconvened on January 25, 2024, for judgment. Justice Kala ruled in favor of the applicant, declaring FAAN’s refusal to provide the requested information a violation of the FOI Act.
The judge granted an order of mandamus compelling FAAN to disclose the revenue details, including evidence of yearly remittance, within three months. This decision reinforces the principles of transparency and accountability within government agencies, ensuring public access to crucial financial information.
