Global Integrity Watch (GIW), a London-based civil society organisation, has called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, threatening a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) over an outstanding Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
The organisation, in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Sunday, said the planned protest followed what it described as the failure of the NRS, under its chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, to provide a satisfactory response to its request for information on matters of public interest.
GIW said it was seeking relevant public records and explanations from the revenue agency, insisting that lawful requests for information should be handled transparently and in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
Speaking after the organisation’s meeting, its executive director, Comrade Abraham Temitayo Adewoye, said the planned action was not a personal attack on Adedeji or any public official but a legitimate demand for accountability and responsible management of public resources.
“Our position is clear: this is not about personalities. It is about the public’s right to know how public funds are managed.
“Accountability strengthens institutions, builds public confidence and supports national development. Nobody is above the law, and public institutions must be prepared to answer legitimate questions raised in the public interest,” Adewoye said.
He described access to public information as an important safeguard in a democracy, noting that the FOI Act provides a legal framework for citizens and civil society organisations to request information held by public institutions, subject to applicable exemptions.
The organisation called on the NRS to engage constructively with it, clarify the status of the outstanding request and either provide the requested records or offer a lawful explanation for withholding them.
GIW maintained that a transparent response would help address the concerns raised and demonstrate the agency’s commitment to citizens’ right to information and accountable public administration.
The organisation also disclosed that it was considering escalating the matter to relevant international organisations and accountability stakeholders if the issue remained unresolved.
It said resolutions reached at its meeting in London included plans for a peaceful demonstration at 10 Downing Street in the United Kingdom to draw international attention to concerns about access to public information and accountability in Nigeria.
According to GIW, the proposed advocacy would promote constructive engagement, strengthen transparency standards and encourage respect for citizens’ lawful right to access public records.
The organisation, however, said its objective was not to damage Nigeria’s reputation but to encourage public institutions to uphold standards that promote democratic governance and public trust.
It also appealed to international partners and civil society organisations to support open government, responsible public financial management and the protection of citizens’ information rights.
GIW urged Nigerians who share its concerns to support the proposed action peacefully and responsibly, stressing that the demonstration would focus on securing a response to its FOI request, encouraging the disclosure of relevant public records and reinforcing the principle that public office carries a duty of accountability.
The organisation cautioned prospective participants against violence, intimidation, harassment or obstruction, urging them to respect the law, public property, security personnel, public servants and other members of the public.
“Every naira of public money must be managed with responsibility, and every legitimate question deserves to be treated seriously. Our goal is a Nigeria where institutions are stronger, public information is accessible in accordance with the law, and accountability applies fairly to everyone,” Adewoye added.
GIW said it remained open to dialogue with the NRS and other public institutions but would continue to pursue its objectives through lawful FOI requests, public advocacy and peaceful civic engagement.
