The Human and Environmental Development Agenda has given the Central Bank of Nigeria seven days ultimatum to disclose its business engagement with Bitt Inc.

In a statement made available to Peoples Gazette on Monday, HEDA said the CBN, in line with global practices, must provide relevant information relating to the bidding process that led to the engagement of Bitt Incorporation with the apex bank.

Signed by HEDA chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, and addressed to CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, the civil society group said it was making its request under the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.

The anti-corruption group asked the CBN to provide all important details of its engagement with the company as regards the project named “eNaira” announced in August.

“The CBN has the responsibility to inform the public on the bidding process in the context of transparency and due diligence. While the winner of the bid has been announced, it is necessary for the public to know how the winner of the bid emerged,” Mr Suraju said.

HEDA said its request on the subject was part of its mandate as a human rights group to protect and promote transparency, accountability and justice in public service.

In the statement to The Gazette, HEDA said it has no doubt that the bidding process was done in accordance with the 2007 Public Procurement Act.

“However, to satisfy public curiosity and pursuant to Sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, 2011, however, HEDA requested for critical information like list of bidders and evidence of public opening of the bid,” the letter stated.