In a landmark decision, the Federal High Court in Lagos has directed former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disasters Management, and Social Development, Sadia Umar-Farouk, to provide a detailed account of the disbursement of N729 billion to 24.3 million impoverished Nigerians over a six-month period. This ruling follows a Freedom of Information suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), highlighting a critical victory for transparency and accountability in public spending.
The court's decision, delivered by Hon. Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu, mandates the former minister to disclose:
- Beneficiary Details:A comprehensive list and specific details of the 24.3 million beneficiaries who received payments.
- Coverage and Payment Mechanism:Information regarding the states covered by the initiative and the specific disbursement mechanisms employed.
- Rationale for Payments: An explanation for the decision to allocate N5,000 to each beneficiary, which amounts to five percent of Nigeria’s 2021 budget.
Justice Dipeolu emphasized that the minister’s obligation to disclose this information is rooted in the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, compelling public officials to provide information upon request, including entities like SERAP.
The ruling dismissed objections raised by the minister’s counsel, affirming SERAP’s arguments and asserting jurisdiction over the matter. Justice Dipeolu’s judgment underscored the importance of compliance with statutory provisions, stating that failure to adhere to these mandates could be construed as neglecting legal responsibilities.
SERAP hailed the court’s decision as a crucial step towards combatting corruption within governmental agencies responsible for public welfare. They urged the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu, to uphold the judiciary’s decision and ensure prompt compliance with the court order.
Femi Falana, a prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria, lauded SERAP’s efforts, urging comprehensive measures to address systemic corruption allegations within relevant ministries and recover misappropriated funds.