FENRAD files FOI request for details on Abia State’s N54bn education expenditure

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

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.

According to the Executive Director of the group, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, this is a reminder of an earlier request sent on 12th February 2025, which hasn’t been responded to by the Government.

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.

“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 Nwafor.

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 stressed 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

An 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,” 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.