By Jimoh Babatunde
Abuja — The human rights group Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has escalated its fight for transparency, warning that it will take the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to court over its refusal to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
The group, led by Barr. Frank Tietie, wrote to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, after the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, failed to provide information requested on February 20, 2026. The request sought records on protection of female staff, administrative postings, procurement processes, internal governance, and litigation involving Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG).
“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,” Barr. Tietie warned on Monday while addressing reporters in Abuja.
Under the FOI Act, public institutions are required to respond within seven days either by providing the information or citing a statutory exemption. CASER said NIMASA has done neither, a failure the group described as “a clear breach of its statutory obligations and a flagrant disregard for transparency.”
The rights group is demanding an Order of Mandamus compelling NIMASA to release the requested information and a declaration that the agency’s refusal violates the FOI Act. Additional court orders may follow to enforce transparency and accountability.
Barr. Tietie urged the supervising minister, Dr. Oyetola, to direct NIMASA to comply with the law and avoid litigation that could further expose the agency to public scrutiny.
CASER highlighted concerns over recent administrative actions at NIMASA, including protection of female staff from coercion or retaliation, adherence to public service rules in staff postings, abuse of administrative authority, and transparency in procurement and governance processes.
The group also seeks records on NIMASA’s legal engagements with NLNG from 2023 to date, including legal opinions, judgments or settlement terms, and any financial liabilities incurred.
2026-03-11