A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Dr Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, must reveal how N535.8 million was spent on school children’s meals during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The court’s judgment, delivered by Justice Nkeonye Maha, directs the minister and the Ministry to provide the requested information to a civil society group in accordance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.
Justice Maha determined that the minister’s failure to respond to the group’s letter dated August 6, 2020, or provide a valid justification for not complying with the FOI Act, violated the provisions of the Act.
The court ordered the minister to furnish the plaintiff with the information sought within 21 days, as specified in Section 25(1) of the FOI Act.
While the court ruled in favor of disclosing specific information, it did not grant all of the plaintiff’s requested reliefs.
In response to the alleged lack of response from the then-Minister, Hajia Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and her ministry, the Incorporated Trustees of Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International brought the legal action to light.
The court’s decision emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, particularly in relation to programs aimed at addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It serves to uphold the principles of the FOI Act and ensures that the government is held accountable for its actions.
