FENRAD Files FOI Request, Seeks full disclosure on ₦54 billion education fund in Abia

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD Nigeria) has officially submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Abia State, seeking full disclosure and clarity on the ₦54 billion education fund reportedly allocated for the retrofitting of 61 public schools across the state.

FENRAD in a statement on Thursday, said they had earlier on 12th February 2025, sent a request to Abia education ministry requesting for an information which the State government is yet to respond to.

“This move follows recent public statements by the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, indicating that ₦14.43 billion has already been spent from the fund. However, no detailed breakdown of the expenditure has been made available to the public,” FENRAD said.

“We are invoking the FOI Act as a lawful instrument to promote transparency and public accountability in the management of funds earmarked for education — a critical sector for the future of our youth,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD Nigeria.

In the request, FENRAD demands:

A detailed breakdown of the ₦14.43 billion already spent, including school locations, project scopes, contractors involved, and current project statuses.

A certified list of the 61 schools selected for retrofitting and the selection criteria.

Copies of procurement documents, contracts, MoUs, and financial instruments associated with the fund.

A project implementation timeline and projected completion dates.

FENRAD stresses that public funds must be accounted for transparently, especially in sectors like education that directly impact social development and equity. The organization notes that this

FOI request is not an indictment but a proactive civic action to ensure participatory governance and improved service delivery.

“We are committed to supporting the government in achieving its developmental goals, but that support must go hand-in-hand with openness and responsiveness to the people,” Comrade Nwafor added.

The organization expects a formal response within the seven-day window as mandated by the FOI Act, and urges the Abia State Government to embrace accountability as a pillar of democratic governance.