The Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has written to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, over what it described as the refusal of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to respond to a lawful request for information submitted under the Freedom of Information Act.

Executive Director of CASER, Frank Tietie, disclosed this on Monday while addressing journalists in Abuja and presenting an acknowledged copy of the letter received by the ministry.

Tietie said the group had earlier served NIMASA with a request on February 20, 2026, seeking public records relating to safeguards for the protection of female staff within the agency.

According to him, the request also sought information on administrative postings, procurement processes and internal governance procedures within the agency.

He noted that under the FOI Act, public institutions are required to respond to requests for information within seven days either by providing the requested details or stating the specific statutory exemptions relied upon.

“Under Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, NIMASA was required to respond within seven (7) days either by providing the requested information or by stating specific statutory exemption relied upon,” Tietie said.

He, however, alleged that the agency had neither released the information nor communicated any reason for withholding it.

“The Agency’s silence constitutes a clear breach of its statutory obligations under the Freedom of Information Act which reflects an unacceptable disregard for the law governing transparency in public administration,” he added.

The rights activist warned that CASER would institute legal action should the agency fail to comply within seven days of receiving the latest letter.

“Take Notice that unless NIMASA immediately complies with the FOI request within 7 days of receipt of this letter, CASER will commence enforcement proceedings at the Federal High Court pursuant to Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act without further notice,” he said.

Tietie further stated that the planned action would seek an order of mandamus compelling the agency to release the requested information as well as a declaration that its refusal to respond constitutes a violation of the FOI Act.

“Such further orders as the Courts may deem necessary to enforce transparency and accountability,” he added.

CASER also urged the minister, as the supervising authority of NIMASA, to direct the agency to comply with the law and avoid what it described as unnecessary litigation that could further expose the agency to public scrutiny.

In its earlier letter dated February 20, 2026, the group said it recognised NIMASA as a strategic maritime regulatory body responsible not only for economic stewardship but also for ensuring fairness, professionalism and respect for human dignity within its workforce.

The request also sought records relating to litigation involving Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) from 2023 to date, including legal opinions obtained, judgments or settlement terms and financial liabilities incurred.