Lawyer Ousman F. M’Bai has confirmed that his appeal before the Information Commission concerning the Securiport airport security fee contract remains unresolved following continued silence from the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure.
Mr M’Bai originally submitted an Access to Information request on 22 January 2026 seeking disclosure of documents relating to the legal basis of the airport security fee, the Securiport contract, revenue collection arrangements, exemptions, and related oversight mechanisms. The Ministry failed to respond within the statutory timeframe prescribed under the Access to Information Act, 2021, resulting in a formal appeal to the Information Commission.
Following the appeal, the Commission confirmed that it had engaged the Ministry and was seeking to better understand the circumstances surrounding the lack of response. However, despite a further follow-up communication addressed to the Commission on 26 April 2026 requesting an update on the status of the matter, no response has yet been received.
Mr M’Bai stated that the matter remains one of public importance given the compulsory and arbitrary nature of the airport security fee and the wider issues of transparency and accountability raised by the National Audit Office and international aviation bodies.
“The Access to Information Act was enacted to promote openness in public administration. The public is entitled to know whether statutory requests for information are being handled effectively and within the framework contemplated by law,” he said.
The Information Commission was established by Parliament to serve as the principal guardian of the public’s right of access to information. The Commission possesses important investigative and enforcement powers under the Act and it is hoped that those powers will be exercised robustly and without undue delay to ensure compliance by public bodies.
The matter remains before the Information Commission.
