A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted an ex parte application for leave to commence judicial review proceedings in the case of President Aigbokhan v. Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the National Revenue Service (NRS). The ruling marks a significant procedural milestone in ongoing efforts to enforce transparency and accountability under Nigeria’s Freedom of Information framework
The application, filed by public interest lawyer and award-winning access-to-information advocate President Aigbokhan in Suit No: FHC/ABV/323/2026 challenges the alleged refusal of the National Revenue Service to disclose requested public records.
The request relates to procurement processes concerning major public infrastructure projects, including the construction of the NRS headquarters in Abuja, its training institute in Minna, an office complex in Suleja, and developments on Lagos Island.
The court on 31st day of March 2026 ordered that the substantive suit to proceed, allowing the applicant to seek orders compelling disclosure and enforcing compliance with statutory duties.
Legal analysts note that while the ruling does not determine the merits of the case, it underscores the judiciary’s willingness to entertain claims aimed at strengthening public access to government-held information.
The hearing of the substantive case is fixed for 23rd of April 2026 and it is expected to test the scope of disclosure obligations of Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs) and could further clarify enforcement mechanisms under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and to specifically call the court to determine whether failure to disclose public record is a crime under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011
“This is an important step toward institutional accountability,” Aigbokhan said in a statement. “Public institutions must operate within the bounds of transparency, and the courts remain a critical avenue for ensuring that legal obligations are not treated as optional.”
The case adds to a growing body of litigation seeking to address persistent barriers to information access in Nigeria, including administrative resistance, inconsistent compliance by public bodies and, most pressing – lack of sanctions.