A major transparency controversy has erupted in Kano State following a demand of N100 million as a condition for accessing public information, raising fresh concerns about accountability in government institutions.
The demand, issued by the Kano State Ministry of Works, has drawn sharp criticism from human rights and anti-corruption activist Umar Ibrahim Umar, who described the move as unlawful and a direct violation of the Freedom of Information Act.
The controversy stems from a formal request submitted on 10 October 2025, seeking detailed information on constituency projects across the state.
After months of silence and alleged refusal to disclose the information, the matter was taken before the Kano State High Court, which granted leave and scheduled a date for substantive hearing.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Ministry responded on 20 April 2026, just days before the court hearing, demanding N100 million as a “process fee” for releasing the requested documents.
Umar alleged that the timing and magnitude of the fee indicate a deliberate attempt to obstruct access to information and evade accountability.
He noted that the FOI Act permits only minimal charges covering duplication and transcription costs, insisting that the sum demanded is excessive and unjustifiable.
Citing provisions of the law, he warned that wrongful denial of public information constitutes an offence and undermines democratic governance and the rule of law.
The development has also cast a spotlight on transparency commitments under frameworks such as the Open Government Partnership (OGP), to which Nigeria is a signatory, with stakeholders questioning the credibility of such initiatives at the state level.
Umar reaffirmed his determination to pursue the matter in court, stressing that the case represents a broader struggle to safeguard civic space, media freedom, and citizens’ right to access public information.
He called on media organizations, civil society groups, and the public to closely monitor the proceedings and demand accountability from public officials.
“N100 million for information? Nigerians deserve answers,” he said.
