A major transparency controversy has erupted in Kano State following an extraordinary demand of ₦100 million as a condition to access public information.
Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Activist, and Executive Director of War Against Injustice, Umar Ibrahim Umar, has strongly condemned the action of the Kano State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Marwan Ahmed, describing it as unlawful, excessive, and a direct assault on the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Human Rights and Anti-corruption Activist, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the issue stemmed from a formal request submitted on October 10, 2025, seeking details of constituency projects in Kano State.
“After months of denial and silence, the matter was taken to the Kano State High Court, where the court granted leave and fixed a date for substantive hearing.
However, in what Umar describes as a “calculated attempt to evade accountability,” the Ministry has now responded (Yesterday, 20/4/2026), just days before the hearing with a staggering demand of ₦100 million as a “process fee.”
“This is not just outrageous, it is illegal. The FOI Act is clear: any fee must be limited to the cost of duplication and transcription. ₦100 million is nothing but an attempt to frustrate lawful access to information,” Umar stated.
He further cited Section 7(5) of the FOI Act, which makes wrongful denial of public information a punishable offence, warning that such conduct undermines democratic governance and the rule of law.
The development has sparked broader concerns about the credibility of transparency initiatives in Kano State, particularly under frameworks like the Open Government Partnership.
“Access to public information is not a privilege, it is a constitutional right. Citizens have the right to know how public funds are spent. No government official should place a price tag on accountability,” he added.
Umar reaffirmed his resolve to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion in court, emphasizing that the case goes beyond personal interest and represents a wider struggle to protect civic space, media freedom and citizens’ rights.
He called on media organisations, civil society groups and the general public to closely follow the case and demand accountability from public institutions.
“One Hundred million Naira (₦100 million) for information? Nigerians deserve answers.” he added.
All effort to contact the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Marwan Ahmed failed as his mobile phone was switched off.
