… Seeks Transparency, Accountability From Abiodun’s Administration
Aishah Waliyullah
A legal practitioner, Abdulbasit Shuaib, has invoked the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011, to demand detailed records of all road construction projects executed in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, between May 2019 and September 2025.
In the acknowledged copy of a formal letter addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, obtained by PLATFORM TIMES, dated October 14, 2025, and titled “Request for Detailed Records of Road Construction Projects in Abeokuta from 2019 to 2025,” the lawyer urged the Ogun State Government to make available comprehensive data on all ongoing, completed, and abandoned road projects within the period.
Shuaib, who described himself as “a legal practitioner and concerned citizen of Ogun State,” said his request was made “in the interest of transparency and public accountability,” adding that the FOI Act empowers citizens to access public records and hold government institutions accountable.
According to him, “I request that your office furnish me with a comprehensive list of road construction projects within Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State — including new constructions, reconstructions, rehabilitations, and maintenance works — undertaken by the Ogun State Government from May 2019 to September 2025.”
He further demanded that the state government provide specific details for each project, including project names and locations, lengths of roads, types of construction work, names of contractors, contract sums, amounts released, commencement and completion dates, current status, and sources of funding.
Citing the provisions of the FOI Act, particularly Sections 1, 2, 4, and 9, Shuaib reminded the governor that the law requires a public institution to respond to such a request within seven (7) days of receipt.
“This request is made in line with my right under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, which mandates a public institution to respond to a written request for information within seven days,” he stated.
The lawyer emphasized that his action was not politically motivated but aimed at fostering open governance and promoting public trust in the administration.
“This request is made in the interest of promoting transparency, public accountability, and civic engagement on infrastructure development in the state,” he wrote.
Shuaib also urged the governor to cite any legal exemptions if certain parts of the requested information could not be disclosed.
“If for any reason parts of the information requested are considered exempted under the Act, I request that you kindly cite the specific exemption relied upon and provide access to the remainder of the information,” he added.
The legal practitioner expressed optimism that Governor Abiodun’s administration — which has publicly committed to transparency and accountability — would respond positively and within the timeframe prescribed by law.
“I trust that your Excellency’s administration, which has consistently expressed a commitment to open governance, will respond promptly and favorably to this request,” he concluded.
PLATFORM TIMES could confirm that the Governor’s Office had received the letter.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
