Dapo Abiodun defeated by NLM as court mandates disclosure of 45-year ARISE IIP agreement

Ogun court PPP transparency ruling compels state to disclose details of 45-year ARISE IIP industrial agreement

Justice Abiodun J. Adeyemi of the Federal High Court in Abeokuta on Sunday ordered the Ogun State Government to disclose full details of its 45-year Public-Private Partnership agreement with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms, following a legal challenge by the Naija Lives Matter movement led by Dr. Ope Banwo.

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The Ogun court PPP transparency ruling came after a seven-month legal contest initiated by Dr. Ope Banwo through legal counsel Yemi Salman, challenging the state’s refusal to release documents linked to the Remo Economic Industrial Cluster project in Sagamu.

Justice Abiodun J. Adeyemi held that the Freedom of Information Act applies to the Ogun State Government and its agencies, stressing that public institutions cannot lawfully deny access to information on major contracts without valid justification.

The entities directly affected include the Ogun State Government, the Ministry of Budget and Planning, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, and the Office of the Attorney-General, all of which were directed to comply with the order.

At the centre of the dispute is a long-term agreement with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms for industrial development in Sagamu.

The Naija Lives Matter movement raised concerns over what it described as limited transparency regarding the structure, financing, and execution of the deal.

Reacting to the judgment, Dr. Ope Banwo described the decision as a powerful milestone for public accountability.

Dr. Ope Banwo said the ruling reinforces citizens’ right to scrutinise agreements involving public resources and long-term commitments.

Naija Lives Matter has called for compliance within 14 days, seeking the release of key documents, including the full agreement, investor details, funding structure, land allocation, procurement process, environmental assessments, and internal approvals.

Legal observers note that the Ogun court PPP transparency ruling could carry wider implications for governance, particularly in relation to public-private partnerships involving significant public assets and extended timelines.

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Attention now turns to the Ogun State Government as the compliance deadline approaches, with stakeholders watching closely to see how authorities respond to the court’s directive.

Victory Emmanuel