BREAKING: FAAN Discloses Airport Revenue Insights after Court Ruling

In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Lagos, under Justice Ibrahim Kala, has mandated the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to provide a comprehensive account of the revenues accrued from toll gates and parking lots at all Federal Government-owned airports.

This order covers the period from January 2015 to January 2024, a span that includes the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The case, initiated by The Registered Trustees of The Centre for Law & Civil Culture against FAAN, came after the latter failed to respond to a Freedom of Information request filed on August 24, 2022.
The Centre for Law & Civil Culture, represented by counsel B.O. Fowowe, argued that FAAN’s non-compliance was a direct violation of the Freedom of Information Act of 2011.

The Act mandates public institutions to respond to information requests within a week, and Section 20 allows for a court order to compel action if a request is ignored.

FAAN, through its counsel A.A. Lawal, defended its position by stating its authority to manage its funds, including revenues from toll gates and parking fees, as per the FAAN Act. Lawal argued that the request was unfounded and likened it to a fishing expedition.

However, Justice Kala ruled in favor of the applicant, stating that FAAN’s refusal to provide the requested information was a clear breach of the Freedom of Information Act. The court has now issued an order of mandamus, compelling FAAN to disclose the detailed financial accounts and evidence of yearly remittance from toll gates and parking lot revenues over the specified period within three months.