Supreme Court’s FOI ruling: A victory for Nigerians – HEDA

By Henry Uche

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has praised the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its recent ruling, which upholds the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011 across all government levels, including state institutions.

The decision reverses a 2018 Court of Appeal judgement, advancing transparency, accountability, and democratic engagement in Nigeria.

HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju, in a signed statement, called the ruling a long-awaited win for Nigerians, affirming their right to access public records and seek answers from leaders. “The judgment represents a decisive step toward deepening democratic governance and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach all Nigerians through openness and accountability,” Suraju stated.

The organisation lauded the Supreme Court’s clear interpretation of the law, which eliminates claims by state institutions that the FOIA requires state-specific versions. This ruling removes barriers to transparency at the state level, enabling citizens to hold public agencies accountable.

HEDA encouraged civil society groups, journalists, and citizens to actively use the FOIA to promote openness in governance. “This decision must not be celebrated in theory alone; it must spark renewed vigour in civic activism and institutional oversight, especially at the sub-national level,” Suraju maintained.

The organisation sees the judgement as a validation of years of advocacy for transparent governance, urging all Nigerians to embrace this opportunity for greater accountability.