The Federal High Court in Lagos has approved a Freedom of Information (FOI) request trying to know the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)’s income from toll gates and parking lots since 2015 and whether same was remitted to the Federation Account.

Specifically, Justice Akintayo Aluko granted leave to Registered Trustees of the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy to file an Order of Mandamus against FAAN to “answer the Applicant’s FOI request of August 24, 2021.”

The FOI request demands to know: “The total annual generated revenue from the toll gates and parking lots in each of the Federal Government-owned Airports across the Federal Republic of Nigeria since 2015 till date or any other period as may be convenient for the Respondent to provide.

“Whether the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is under obligation to remit the amount so generated annually (whether directly or through a proxy) in each of the Airports to the Federation Accounts.

“If the answer to the above is in the affirmative, whether the Respondent can avail the Applicant with the evidence of remittance of funds so remitted to the Federation Account for the period of years under reference or any other period as may be convenient for the Respondent’’.

Justice Akintayo Aluko granted the leave while ruling on an application by the Registered Trustees of Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy in suit number FHC/L/CS/1086/2022.

The Applicant filed the Originating Summons through its Counsel, Mr. A Imran.

It explained that its application followed FAAN’s “refusal and failure” to accede to its FOI request of August 24, 2021, on the same subject matter.

The judge also granted an order for an extension of time within which to file the ex-parte application seeking an order of mandamus against FAAN.

The matter has been adjourned to July 19, 2023, for mention. (The Nation)

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