By Grace Chigbu
Justice Ibrahim Ahmad Kala of the Federal High Court in Lagos has mandated the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to reveal its earnings from toll gates and parking fees at all federally-owned airports, along with the amount remitted from January 2015 to January 2024.
The court’s decision came on Friday, February 23, 2024, in response to a suit filed by The Registered Trustees of The Centre for Law & Civil Culture, a public interest applicant. The applicant sought the disclosure of revenue details after FAAN failed to respond to its freedom of information request dated August 24, 2022, citing a violation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.
Representatives for both parties, B.O. Fowewe for the Applicant and A.A. Lawal for the Respondent, presented their arguments during the hearing on January 25, 2024, with the court subsequently adjourning for judgment.
In his ruling, Justice Kala declared FAAN’s refusal to provide the requested information as a gross violation of the FOI Act, 2011. He granted the Applicant’s plea, compelling FAAN to furnish details of the revenue generated from toll gates and parking lots at federal airports, as well as evidence of yearly remittance from 2015 to 2024.
The court granted FAAN three months to comply with the order. This ruling underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public institutions, ensuring oversight and proper utilization of revenue generated from public services.
FAAN is yet to issue an official statement regarding the court’s decision. However, this development marks a significant step towards promoting transparency in revenue management within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
