By Achile Danjuma
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is facing the threat of a lawsuit from a civil society organization for its failure to respond to a formal request for information, in what would be a clear violation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the agency and has formally petitioned the supervising minister to compel compliance, following NIMASA’s silence on a request submitted over a month ago.
In a letter dated February 20, 2026, CASER had requested detailed records from NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, concerning litigation involving the Agency. The request specifically sought “records relating to litigation involving [the Agency] from 2023 to date including: legal opinions obtained, judgments or settlement terms and financial liabilities incurred.”
The FOI Act mandates that public institutions must respond to such requests within seven days. However, after NIMASA failed to acknowledge or fulfill the request within the statutory timeframe, CASER has escalated the matter.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the Executive Director of CASER, Barr. Frank Tietie, announced that the organization has written to the supervising Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to intervene. Barr. Tietie presented an acknowledged copy of the letter to the ministry, detailing the agency’s non-compliance.
While the initial February request focused on litigation, Barr. Tietie used the opportunity to highlight a broader pattern of opacity, stating that the organization is also seeking information on “safeguards for the protection of female staff, administrative and unjustifiable postings, procurement processes, and internal governance procedures within the agency.”
He emphasized that under Section 4 of the FOI Act, NIMASA was obligated to respond within seven days—either by providing the information or by citing a specific statutory exemption that justifies its refusal. The agency has done neither.
“This silence constitutes a clear breach of NIMASA’s statutory obligations under the Freedom of Information Act,” Barr. Tietie stated. “It reflects an unacceptable disregard for the law governing transparency in public administration.”
He warned that unless the agency immediately complies within seven days of receiving the new letter, CASER will not hesitate to seek judicial intervention.
“Take notice that unless NIMASA immediately complies with the FOI request within seven days of receipt of this letter, CASER will commence enforcement proceedings at the Federal High Court pursuant to Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act without further notice,” he said.
The planned legal action would seek an Order of Mandamus to compel NIMASA to release the requested information, as well as a declaration that the agency’s refusal to respond constitutes a violation of the FOI Act. CASER is also calling on Minister Oyetola to use his supervisory authority to direct the agency to comply with the law.
“We expect the minister’s office to immediately direct the agency to comply with the law and avert avoidable litigation that would further expose the Agency to public scrutiny,” Barr. Tietie added.