Court okays suit asking NCDMB to disclose details of alleged secret recruitments

The Federal High Court of Nigeria in Abuja has granted an ex parte application of a civil society, the Citizens Awareness against Corruption and Social Vices Initiative (CACASVI), against the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for its alleged secret recruitment.

Justice Nkeonye Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court granted the reliefs sought and ordered that the Originating Summons be filed within seven days.

With the support of FOI Counsel, a specialised law firm focused on Freedom of Information litigation and research, the civil society dragged NCDMB through court for its failure to disclose crucial information about its staff mrmberd and hiring processes.

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The civil organisation is seeking certified true copies of the board’s staff nominal roll, including first name, sex, grade level, and state of origin, as well as evidence of job advertisements and board resolutions approving employment.

According to a release by Olumuyiwa Onlede, the Executive Director, CACASVI, the civic organisation had earlier forwarded a request letter which was not responded to by the board wherein it stated that it gave an additional 7 days to the board to disclose its records of recruitment.

The government agency outright turned down the request.

Meanwhile, the application was commenced by the FOI Counsel team made up of President Aigbookhan, Godspower Eroga, Solomon Oritsegbemi, Ayodele Otuakhena, Edose Ihimekpen and Ifeoma Enwere, Esq.

“By shining a light on NCDMB’s secretive recruitment practices, CACASVI hopes to bring about greater transparency and accountability in the organisation’s operations.

“The case, filed as Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/473/2024, marks an important milestone in the fight against corruption and secrecy in Nigeria’s public institutions.

“As the case progresses, CACASVI and FOI Counsel are determined to ensure that NCDMB is held accountable for its actions and that the public’s right to information is upheld.”

The applicant also sought for resolution from the board approving employment and evidence of job advertisement.

CACASVI in the suit is seeking a declaration that the failure of the respondent to release certified true copies of requested information to the applicant was “illegal, unlawful, oppressive and vexatious and also an order that the respondent should release the information sought.”