A London-based civil society organisation, Global Integrity Watch (GIW), has threatened to stage 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, accused the revenue agency, led by its chairman, Dr Zacch Adedeji, of failing 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 agency, insisting that requests for information should be handled transparently and in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.
Speaking after the organisation’s meeting, its executive director, Comrade Abraham Temitayo Adewoye, said the proposed protest was not a personal attack on Adedeji or any public official but a legitimate demand for accountability in the 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,” Adewoye said.
He added that accountability strengthened public institutions, built confidence and supported national development, stressing that public institutions must respond to legitimate questions raised in the public interest.
Adewoye 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.
GIW urged the NRS to engage with it, clarify the status of the outstanding request and either provide the requested records or give a lawful explanation for withholding them.
The organisation said a transparent response would address its concerns and demonstrate the agency’s commitment to citizens’ right to information and accountable public administration.
It also disclosed plans to escalate the matter to relevant international organisations and accountability stakeholders if the issue remained unresolved.
According to GIW, 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.
The organisation said the proposed advocacy was intended to promote constructive engagement, strengthen transparency standards and encourage respect for citizens’ lawful right to access public records.
It maintained that its objective was not to damage Nigeria’s reputation but to encourage public institutions to uphold standards that promote democratic governance and public trust.
GIW also appealed to international partners and civil society organisations to support open government, responsible public financial management and the protection of citizens’ information rights.
The organisation called on Nigerians who shared its concerns to support the proposed action peacefully and responsibly, stressing that the demonstration would focus on obtaining a response to its FOI request, securing relevant public records and reinforcing the principle that public office carries a duty of accountability.
It 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.