Daniel Adaji
A prominent rights activist has warned of imminent legal action against the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) over its failure to comply with a lawful request for information under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
The Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), Barr. Frank Tietie, said the organization had written to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, demanding that NIMASA respond to a FOI request submitted on February 20, 2026. The request sought public records on administrative postings, internal governance, procurement processes, and safeguards protecting female staff.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday while presenting a copy of the letter acknowledged by the Ministry in Abuja, Tietie said: “Take Notice that unless NIMASA immediately complies with the FOI request within 7 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.”
The activist explained that NIMASA’s silence constitutes a clear breach of its statutory obligations. “Such further orders as the Courts may deem necessary to enforce transparency and accountability,” he added, underscoring the seriousness of the agency’s noncompliance.
CASER also expects the supervising minister to intervene, urging that the Ministry direct NIMASA to comply with the law to avoid litigation that could further expose the agency to public scrutiny.
Tietie noted that the organisation recognizes NIMASA as “a strategic maritime regulatory agency entrusted not only with economic stewardship but also ensuring that its workforce operates in an environment of fairness, professionalism and respect for human dignity.”
In addition to governance and procurement records, CASER’s FOI request specifically sought information relating to the protection of female employees from coercive or retaliatory administrative actions, policy on staff postings, and safeguards against workplace misconduct.
The group also requested records on litigation involving Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) from 2023 to date, including legal opinions, judgments, settlement terms, and financial liabilities incurred.
Tietie criticized the agency for disregarding its statutory obligations, saying: “Recent administrative developments have generated serious public concern – regarding protection of female staff from coercive or retaliatory administration actions, compliance to Public Service Rules in staff posting, safeguards against abuse of administrative authority, transparency in procurement and governance processes and institutional mechanisms for addressing workplace misconduct.”
CASER’s action highlights growing demands for transparency and accountability in public institutions. Should NIMASA continue to ignore the request, the matter is expected to escalate to the Federal High Court, where the activist seeks an Order of Mandamus compelling the release of requested information and a formal declaration that the agency’s refusal violates the FOI Act.
