NIMASA Fails To Comply With FOI Request, Claims NGO

The director general (DG/CEO) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, has failed to respond to a lawful request for information submitted in pursuance of the Freedom of Information Act.

In the request letter dated February 20, 2026, the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) said: “Provide CASER with records relating to litigation involving Nigeria LNG limited (NLNG) from 2023 to date, including legal opinions obtained, judgments or settlement terms and financial liabilities incurred.”

However, the agency failed to respond to this request within the stipulated time frame, which is usually within seven weeks.

Reacting to this, the executive director of Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights, Barr. Frank Tietie, on Monday said CASER has written to the minister of marine and blue economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on the refusal of the director general (DG/CEO) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola to respond to a lawful request for information submitted in pursuance of the Freedom of Information Act.

Addressing reporters on the agency’s noncompliance with the request while presenting the acknowledged copy of the letter received by the ministry in Abuja, Tietie, a human rights activist, said that an earlier request served on NIMASA on February 20, 2026, specifically sought public records relating to safeguards for the protection of female staff with NIMASA.

Also sought for him are: administrative and unjustifiable postings, procurement processes and internal governance procedures within the agency.

While reinforcing his demand for the request, Tietie acknowledged that, under Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, NIMASA was required to respond within seven days by either providing the requested information or stating the specific statutory exemption relied upon, adding that NIMASA has not done either.

According to him, this agency’s silence constitutes a clear breach of its statutory obligations under the Freedom of Information Act, which reflects an unacceptable disregard for the law governing transparency in public administration.

He said: “Take notice that unless NIMASA immediately complies with the FOI request within seven 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.”

Tietie said the action will further press for an Order of Mandamus compelling NIMASA to release the requested information, declaring that the Agency’s refusal to respond constitutes a violation of the FOI Act.

He added: “Such further orders as the courts may deem necessary to enforce transparency and accountability.”

As supervising Minister of NIMASA, Frank Tietie, said, CASER expects the minister’s office to immediately direct the agency to comply with the law and avert avoidable litigation that would further expose the Agency to public scrutiny.