The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the National Assembly to release all documents relating to the controversial ₦37 billion renovation of the National Assembly complex.

Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/51/2022, Justice Emeka Nwite directed the legislature to provide comprehensive details to the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), which filed the case through its counsel, Seidu Mohammed.

The judge held that the requested records fall under the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, stressing that the National Assembly had no legal basis to withhold them.

“The information is simple and harmless. Where an institution like the respondent denies or is deemed to have denied an applicant the instant information sought, it will not only defeat the very purpose of the Act but encourage corruption and financial recklessness,” Justice Nwite ruled.

Reacting to the verdict, HEDA Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, hailed the judgment as a major step toward transparency and accountability.

“This judgment sets a precedent for public access to information on government projects. We expect the National Assembly to comply fully with the court’s order and provide the required information,” Suraju said.

HEDA further urged the media, civil society organisations, and citizens to actively join the push for accountability in governance, stressing that transparency in the management of public funds is essential to democratic integrity.

Observers say the ruling could pave the way for greater scrutiny of financial decisions by the National Assembly and other government institutions.