CASER Invokes FOI Act, Demands Transparency and Safeguards for Female Staff at NIMASA

The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has invoked the Freedom of Information Act to demand full disclosure of records from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) over recent administrative actions within the agency.

In a statement issued and signed by Frank Tietie Esq., Executive Director, Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER)in Abuja on Monday, the civil society organisation said its request, filed in the public interest, seeks documentary clarification on several key issues, including mechanisms for protecting employees particularly female officers from harassment, coercive practices, or retaliatory administrative actions.

CASER is also requesting information on large-scale staff postings and redeployments, compliance with Public Service Rules, procurement processes and contract approvals, as well as governance procedures within the agency.

The group said its intervention was based on privileged reports available to it and noted that NIMASA occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s maritime economy and international regulatory standing. It stressed that such an institution must uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability and institutional integrity.

According to CASER, recent developments have sparked public concern about whether internal administrative processes within the agency are being conducted in strict compliance with governing regulations and whether adequate safeguards exist to protect vulnerable staff, especially women, from potential misuse of administrative authority.

The organisation clarified that its action was not an accusation but a lawful demand for transparency, arguing that openness strengthens public confidence while secrecy and speculation may foster distrust.

It expressed particular concern about the professional safety of female public servants, stating that no woman working in a public institution should feel exposed to intimidation, harassment, coercion or retaliation in the discharge of her lawful duties.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, public institutions are required to respond to requests for records within seven days, subject to clearly defined statutory exemptions. CASER said it expects NIMASA to comply within the stipulated timeframe and provide specific legal grounds for any denial, as required by law.

The group further indicated that it may engage relevant oversight authorities, including the Minister of Blue and Marine Economy, if necessary, to ensure that administrative powers within the agency are exercised lawfully and that female staff are adequately protected.

CASER reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement but stated that it would pursue all lawful remedies available to safeguard institutional integrity and the rights of public servants.