Neiti increases the alarm over fake NGOs that exploit actions for extortion, extortion

The Nigerian extractive industry transparency initiative (Neiti) has condemned an increase in the abuse of freedom of information (FOI) with what is described as cheating and facial organizations disguised as NGOs and civil society groups to harass, intimidate, and squeeze public officials.

Speaking during a high-level round table on Thursday at the Neiti House in Abuja to mark 14 years since the FOI law was imposed, the executive secretary of Neiti, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said the noble intention of the law was under the threat of actors with evil motives.

“Fake NGOs and brokers are false identity parades, submitting FOI requests for misleading reasons, and then involved in media extortion and threats to squeeze money. They have no interest in facts or transparency. One -mission is extortion. And it must stop,” Orji said in his speech.

“Don’t have no mistakes: this is not activism; this is sabotage,” he said.

In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Communication and Management of Neiti Stakeholders, Chris Ochonu, Orji emphasized that while the FOI law, passed in 2011, remained the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic journey, its abuse had a serious threat to transparency and governance.

“In Neiti, we have responded to 72 FOI requests in the last decade, operating dedicated FOI portals, maintaining proactive disclosure platforms on our website, issuing annual progress reports, holding regular media briefings and stakeholders forums, and sending annual compliance reports,” he explained.

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“Our report, a list of profitable ownership, procurement process, and implementation data are all disclosed proactively and can be accessed freely by the public. We are currently completing work at the Neiti data center to increase public access to credible information. But this fake NGO ignores this disclosure and vice versa using threats aimed at coercion and extension,” he added.

To overcome the developing problems, Neiti calls for urgent reform to the FOI framework. The main proposals include: Changing FOI Laws to criminalize false claims, extortion, and identity fraud; prepare an independent supervisory body to verify the legitimacy of FOI requests; using trained FOI units in all ministries, departments and institutions (MDA); accelerate the implementation of the state level; and launch a civil education campaign to encourage responsible use.

Neiti also urged the anti-corruption institution-including EFCC, ICPC, and Bureau of Code of Behavioral-to remain focused on their core mandate and avoid disturbances regulated by fictitious organizations.

Orji emphasized the need for collaboration between law enforcement, media regulators, and original civil society platforms to protect Nigerian transparency architecture integrity.

“FOI law is not a extortion license. This is a promise of truth, openness, and democratic empowerment. We must protect that promise from harassment. Neiti will not be intimidated, and we will continue to expose and fight unethical behavior like that,” he said.

In Roundtable, Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director of the Transparency Advocacy Center, praised Neiti as a model of proactive disclosure.

“Neiti reports are vital transparency instruments. They guide the implementation of FOI and provide facts that expose corruption and support accountability,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr. Eraisa Sarki, a representative of civil society in the Neiti Council and the National Coordinator of Publish What You Pay, which calls for collective vigilance.

“We must not allow facial actors to erode public trust in citizens who deserve to get a empowering tool, not endanger them. FOI law must remain a shield for the truth, not a sword for fraud,” Sarki warned.

Neiti praised the Transparency Advocacy Center, the Ministry of Federal Justice, and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Program (Rolac), to host the event as part of the accountability of strengthening and governance supported by the European Union in the Nigerian initiative.

Emmanuel Uche, a program manager for Rolac, reiterated the sustainable support of the European Union for democracy and transparency in Nigeria.

“The FOI law is the center to empower citizens, ensure justice, and strengthen governance. Rolac, with the support of the EU, proudly partnering with neiti, CTA, and other institutions to promote responsible access and institutional accountability in Nigeria,” Uche said.