A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted leave for judicial review proceedings in a suit seeking the disclosure of records relating to the operations and management of HLSI Security Systems and Technologies Limited (HLSI), a contractor involved in Nigeria's Deep Blue maritime security project.
The suit, filed by the Registered Trustees of Unemployed Youths of Nigeria and marked FHC/ABV/CS/996/2026, seeks an order compelling the company to release information requested under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. According to court documents, the applicants are seeking access to records relating to contractual arrangements, management fees, government payments, maintenance schedules, operational reports and other documents connected with HLSI's role in the Deep Blue Project.
The Deep Blue Project was established to strengthen maritime security through the deployment of surveillance and enforcement assets, including special mission vessels, interceptor boats, aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and intelligence infrastructure. The applicants contend that information concerning the management and maintenance of assets acquired with public funds should be made available in the interest of transparency and accountability.
Executive Director of the Unemployed Youths of Nigeria, Prince Danesi Momoh, said the organisation was seeking access to records to enable the public assess the implementation and effectiveness of the project. “We need to assess whether the Deep Blue Project is delivering value for money. The records being sought will help provide greater clarity on the management of the assets and resources committed to the programme,” he said.
The FOI request reportedly covers HLSI's contractual agreements with relevant government agencies, details of payments received, maintenance records of assets under its management and engagements with institutions involved in the implementation of the project. The case is expected to test the application of the Freedom of Information Act to private entities performing public functions or managing publicly funded projects.
Legal observers say the proceedings could provide further judicial guidance on the extent to which private contractors handling government-funded programmes are subject to disclosure obligations under the FOI Act. Justice Binta Nyako granted leave for the judicial review proceedings on June 3, 2026, and fixed September 22, 2026, for further hearing. HLSI had not publicly responded to the claims in the suit as of the time of filing this report.
