Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has dismissed a lawsuit demanding that the Lagos State Government disclose details of a $100 million payment allegedly made by business magnate Alhaji Aliko Dangote. The funds were reportedly paid for land acquisition in the Ibeju-Lekki area, intended for his refinery project.
Presiding over the case, Justice A. Faji ruled that the Lagos State Government could not be compelled to release the requested information, citing the non-domestication of the law requiring such disclosure in the state.
The lawsuit was filed by two civil society organizations, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation and Ibeju-Lekki Peoples Forum. The applicants sought an Order of Mandamus to compel Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Attorney General, the Accountant General, the Permanent Secretary of the Lands Bureau, and the Lagos State Government to confirm or deny Dangote’s claim.
The suit, registered as FHC/L/CS/1603/2024, was filed on September 6, 2024. The applicants argued that if Dangote’s claim was true, the government should provide a detailed account of the transaction, including why no public statement had been issued regarding such a substantial financial exchange.
However, the court ruled in favor of the Lagos State Government, stating that there was no legal basis to enforce the disclosure since the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act had not been domesticated in Lagos State.
The ruling has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in cases involving significant public funds.
A statement by Lasisi Robert’s Assembly of Lagos Youths criticized the judgment, arguing that public interest should have been a key consideration. Many observers believe that withholding such financial details undermines public trust in governance.
Local residents of Ibeju-Lekki, where the funds were allegedly meant for development, continue to face infrastructural deficits, including poor electricity supply, inadequate schools, and insufficient healthcare facilities. Critics argue that the lack of transparency in handling large financial transactions worsens these socio-economic challenges.
Governance analysts have expressed concerns that this ruling could set a precedent for non-disclosure of financial transactions involving public institutions. They argue that the Lagos State Government’s refusal to release the information raises questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Civil society organizations are now calling for stronger legal frameworks to ensure that state governments disclose financial dealings that impact public welfare. They warn that failure to do so could further erode public trust in governance and discourage civic engagement in demanding accountability.
As discussions on this issue continue, stakeholders are advocating for reforms that will prevent opaque financial transactions and promote responsible governance.
