Freedom of Information Act, 2011

Ask for the receipts.

It is public money, and the law says you may see how it was spent. You do not need a lawyer, a reason, or a connection inside the building. Answer four short sets of questions and this page writes the letter for you — in the form an institution is obliged to take seriously.

What it costs to ask
₦0
Days they have to reply
7
Reason you must give
None

What this page does and does not do. It writes your letter and hands it to you. CISD does not send it, does not keep a copy, and never receives what you type here — nothing on this page is submitted to us. You are the person making the request, which is what gives you the protection in section 27. There is no tracker yet: keep your own proof of delivery, because the seven days run from the day they receive it.

Start from a prepared request

Each one already lists the documents to ask for. Pick the closest, then change anything you like — or skip this and write your own.

    Step 1 of 4 Who is asking?

    The law does not ask why you want the records. It does need somewhere to send them.

    Step 2 of 4 Who holds the records?

    Any federal ministry or agency, any state body, and any private organisation spending public money.

    Step 3 of 4 What are you asking for?

    Be specific, and ask for one thing per line. A list of separate items is much harder to refuse in a single sentence than one broad question.

    Documents you want required
    Step 4 of 4 Your terms

    Section 8 says they may charge you only what it costs to make the copies. You are entitled to ask them to waive even that.

    How you would like it sent

    Your letter is ready →

    Your letter

    0 lines

    [Your details]

28 October 2026

[Recipient details]

Through: The FOI Desk Officer

Dear Sir/Madam,

RE: REQUEST FOR INFORMATION UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT, 2011

I write pursuant to section 1(1) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, which guarantees every person the right to access records and information in the custody or under the control of any public institution in Nigeria. Under section 1(2) an applicant need not demonstrate any specific interest in the information requested.

I hereby formally request the following records and information:

[Your specific requests will appear here]

I would prefer to receive the information in electronic format (email or downloadable file).

I respectfully request a waiver of any fees beyond the actual cost of reproduction, in line with section 8 of the Act. This request is made in the public interest and is intended to contribute to public understanding of government operations.

In line with section 4 of the Act, I trust this request will be acknowledged and responded to within seven (7) days of receipt. Where access to any part of the requested information is denied, kindly provide written notice citing the specific provision of the Act relied upon, in accordance with section 7(2) and (3).

Please direct all correspondence to the address and contact details above.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this lawful request.

Yours faithfully,



[Your Name]
    Open in your email app

    Before you send it. Address it to the institution's FOI desk officer where you can find one, and keep proof that it arrived — a stamped copy, a courier slip, or a delivery receipt. The seven days start on the day they receive it, and that proof is what makes the deadline enforceable.