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By Daniel Adaji
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is under threat of legal action after failing to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by the rights group Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER).
In a letter dated February 20, 2026, CASER, led by Executive Director Frank Tietie, formally requested records from NIMASA regarding policies protecting female staff, administrative postings, procurement processes, internal governance, and litigation involving Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG). According to Tietie, the agency has ignored the request in clear violation of Section 4 of the FOI Act, which mandates a response within seven days.
Addressing journalists on Monday in Abuja, Tietie said, “Take Notice that unless NIMASA immediately complies with the FOI request within 7 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.”
He emphasised that the action would include seeking an Order of Mandamus compelling NIMASA to release the requested information and a declaration that the agency’s refusal constitutes a violation of the FOI Act. Tietie added, “Such further orders as the Courts may deem necessary to enforce transparency and accountability.”
CASER urged the supervising Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to direct NIMASA to comply with the law to avert avoidable litigation that would expose the agency to public scrutiny. “CASER expects the Honourable Minister’s office to immediately direct the Agency to comply with the law,” Tietie said.
The rights group stressed that NIMASA, as a strategic maritime regulatory body, is entrusted with not only economic stewardship but also ensuring its workforce operates in an environment of fairness, professionalism, and respect for human dignity.
According to CASER, “Recent administrative developments have generated serious public concern regarding protection of female staff from coercive or retaliatory administration actions, compliance to Public Service Rules in staff posting, safeguards against abuse of administrative authority, transparency in procurement and governance processes and institutional mechanisms for addressing workplace misconduct.”
In addition, CASER requested records relating to litigation involving NLNG from 2023 to date, including legal opinions, judgments, settlement terms, and financial liabilities incurred. Barr. Tietie said the request was made to ensure accountability and transparency within the agency.
The FOI Act provides that public institutions must respond promptly to lawful requests for information, either by providing the information or citing specific statutory exemptions. NIMASA’s continued silence, according to CASER, reflects “an unacceptable disregard for the law governing transparency in public administration.”