The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has accused the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, of refusing to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request seeking clarification over a wave of corruption allegations said to be troubling the ministry.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the civil rights group described the minister’s silence as disturbing and inconsistent with the transparency commitments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. HURIWA said its letter, dated February 10, was duly delivered but received no formal written response as required under the FOI Act.
The allegations, according to the group, originated from more than a dozen senior insiders at the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, headquartered at Radio House, Area 11, Garki, Abuja. Among the claims is an alleged plan to auction the only functional SUV officially assigned to the Permanent Secretary — a vehicle reportedly purchased recently. Sources allegedly informed HURIWA that the auction process was neither transparent nor competitive, and that there were fears the vehicle could be sold at a giveaway price.
The group further alleged that shortly after its FOI request reached the ministry, files relating to the purported auction reportedly disappeared from offices. It also claimed that a top accounts official nearing retirement in April is being accused by insiders of extorting contractors and consultants working with the ministry. According to the allegations, the official allegedly receives illicit payments through his wife’s bank account. HURIWA said efforts to obtain clarification from the officer were unsuccessful, as he allegedly terminated a phone call once he learned the purpose of the inquiry.
Beyond the vehicle controversy, HURIWA raised concerns over fuel allowance payments to top officials, claiming that some receive over ₦1 million monthly — figures it argues exceed recommendations by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission. The association questioned the structure of these payments, including the bank accounts through which they are processed.
The group also cited allegations of nepotism, claiming that certain officials entitled to Personal Assistants allegedly hired relatives instead of drawing aides from the ministry’s existing staff pool. These individuals, it claimed, receive emoluments comparable to those of Deputy Directors.
In its FOI request, HURIWA sought detailed information on the proposed SUV auction, fuel allowance payments, identities and employment status of Personal Assistants to the Minister and Permanent Secretary, contractor payment procedures, and funding for a sports delegation reportedly sent to the Civil Service Games in Adamawa last year.
Rather than provide written responses, HURIWA alleged that the minister directed a Deputy Director in charge of Protocol and Public Relations to invite the group for a private meeting. The association rejected the invitation, insisting that its inquiries were specific and required documented answers in line with the FOI Act.
Describing the development as “unfortunate and shocking,” HURIWA maintained that the Freedom of Information law guarantees citizens access to public records and empowers them to seek judicial enforcement where institutions fail to comply. The group said it would escalate the matter to relevant anti-corruption agencies to investigate the allegations and compel transparency.
“These remain allegations,” HURIWA noted, “but they must be investigated to determine their credibility. Our request is in the public interest and for the public good.”
As of the time of this report, the Minister of Information and National Orientation has not publicly responded to the allegations.
HURIWA Slams Minister for Ignoring FOI Amid Corruption Claims
