A legal battle at the Federal High Court in Abuja is drawing attention to transparency concerns surrounding the National Revenue Service (NRS), with implications for President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing revenue reform agenda.

The suit, filed by public interest lawyer President Aigbokhan, challenges the refusal of the NRS to release procurement documents linked to several multi-billion naira projects reportedly executed under the agency.

The projects named in the case include:

• The proposed NRS headquarters in Abuja
• The training institute administrative block in Minna
• The Suleja office complex
• Renovation projects on Lagos Island

According to court filings, the applicant is demanding access to:

• Contract award letters
• Technical evaluation reports
• Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) “No Objection” certificates

The lawsuit argues that the agency’s refusal to disclose the records violates both the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and constitutional provisions on access to public information.

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The case specifically names NRS boss Dr. Zacch Adedeji, with the plaintiff alleging that the agency has failed to comply with lawful requests for public procurement information.

Aigbokhan is also seeking a court order compelling the disclosure of the documents and requesting that the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) investigate possible violations under the FOI Act.

The suit references Section 7(5) of the FOI Act, which treats willful refusal to provide public information as an offence.

Justice Peter Lifu reportedly allowed the substantive suit to proceed on March 31, 2026, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/323/2026, after finding what the court described as prima facie grounds to hear the matter.

The development has triggered wider debate about transparency and accountability within agencies driving the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms.

Critics argue that public confidence in tax reforms could weaken if institutions responsible for collecting revenue are perceived as unwilling to disclose how public funds are being spent.

One policy analyst quoted in the report questioned the contradiction between demanding greater tax compliance from citizens while allegedly resisting procurement transparency.

However, it is important to note that the allegations remain before the court, and no finding of wrongdoing has yet been made against Adedeji or the NRS.

The matter, which began hearing in late April, has been adjourned until June 17, 2026, for further ruling.

Legal observers say the outcome could become a significant test case for the enforcement of Nigeria’s Freedom of Information laws and the transparency obligations of public institutions.