The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, presided over by Justice A. Faji, has dismissed a suit seeking an order of mandamus to compel the Lagos State Government to disclose the details of the $100 million it reportedly received from Alhaji Aliko Dangote for land acquisition in Ibeju-Lekki for his refinery.
Justice Faji ruled that the Lagos State Government cannot be compelled to release the requested information, as the law requiring such disclosure has not been domesticated within the state.
The case was brought by De Renaissance Patriots Foundation and Ibeju-Lekki Peoples Forum, who sought clarification on Dangote’s claim that he paid $100 million to the Lagos State Government.
The applicants wanted the government to confirm the accuracy of Dangote’s statement and disclose further details of the transaction, including why no public announcement was made regarding this significant financial exchange.
While the court’s ruling has raised concerns, especially in relation to governance transparency, critics argue that withholding such information undermines public trust.
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They emphasize that citizens deserve clarity on significant financial dealings involving public resources, especially when such funds are intended for development projects in areas like Ibeju-Lekki, which still faces infrastructural deficits such as poor electricity, limited quality education, and inadequate healthcare facilities.
Legal analysts warn that the decision could set a precedent for non-disclosure of crucial financial information and stress the need for reforms to ensure government transparency.
The refusal to grant the application under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act has sparked a debate on the Lagos State Government’s commitment to accountability, with civil society organizations calling for better fiscal responsibility and governance practices that prioritize the welfare of citizens.
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