The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a prominent anti-corruption and human rights advocacy organization, has submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Provost of the Federal College of Education Technical, Asaba, Dr. (Mrs.) Josephine Emebiziogo Anene-Okeakwa.
This request seeks critical documents and information regarding the college’s recent infrastructure projects and purchases, aiming to uphold accountability and transparency in public spendings.
HEDA’s FOI request pertains to several projects at the institution, including the construction of a staff canteen, a new clinic, a new ICT building, a guest house, and the acquisition of project monitoring and supervision vehicles.
The anti-corruption organization is calling for detailed documentation, including: Copies of advertisements soliciting expressions of interest for consultancy and construction services; Contract award letters for each project; Final completion certificates and Interim Payment Certificates, along with architects’ reports and quantity surveyors’ valuations.
According to HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, this request is alignment with the organization’s mandate to promote public accountability and transparency in public institutions in line with laid down rules and regulations.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2011, HEDA anticipates a response within seven days, allowing citizens and stakeholders to gain insight into the financial and operational transparency of these projects.
HEDA has expressed its commitment to pursuing this information to reinforce Nigeria’s accountability standards and encourages the college’s administration to cooperate fully in providing the requested documents.