… Seeks media collaboration to enhance public service accountability
In a concerted effort to strengthen open governance and ensure greater accountability within public institutions, the Federal Government of Nigeria is organising a national workshop on the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act.
The event, scheduled for September 24-25, is a significant step towards promoting the domestication and effective implementation of the FoI Act across the country.
The workshop is being hosted by the House of Representatives Committee on Freedom of Information, chaired by Hon. Saidu Yusuf Miga and the Rebirth for Media Liberation and Development Initiative (RMDI), under the leadership of Engr. Bala Musa. This high-level symposium aims to foster a deeper understanding of the FoI Act’s provisions among public service officials and encourage a culture of transparency and openness within government institutions.
According to a statement from Akubo Augustine, a consultant to the committee, the workshop will feature the launch of a book titled, Freedom of Information Act: Gateway to Open Government and Accountability in Nigeria. This publication is expected to serve as a valuable resource for both public officials and the general public, providing insights into the critical role of the FoI Act in promoting transparency and accountability.
The event will bring together key stakeholders from various sectors of the public service, including permanent secretaries, directors-general, chief executives of parastatals and agencies, directors of human resources management, heads of HRM departments, directors of finance and accounts and directors of procurement. Additionally, FoI desk officers and committee members from ministries, departments and agencies across the country are expected to attend. The workshop will also be cascaded to all 36 states of the Federation in the coming days to ensure widespread participation and impact.
The primary goal of the workshop is to enhance the knowledge and capacity of decision-makers and top management leaders within the Federal and state government institutions. By deepening their understanding of the FoI Act, the workshop aims to ensure that public officers are better equipped to discharge their duties in compliance with the law. Key outcomes of the workshop will include helping participants understand citizens’ rights to access information, clarifying their obligations under the Act and strengthening the culture of record-keeping and maintenance within public institutions.
The workshop also seeks to empower public officers by informing them of their legal rights and protections under the FoI Act. Most importantly, it aims to foster a culture of probity, accountability and open leadership at all levels of government, which is essential for building public trust and ensuring effective governance.
Globally, the right to access information held by governments and public institutions is recognised as a fundamental human right. It is crucial for achieving sustainable development, improving lives, and ensuring inclusive and transparent governance. The FoI Act, enacted in Nigeria in 2011, provides a legal framework for accessing public records and information, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in public service.
Sections 4 and 13 of the FoI Act explicitly grant the public the right to access information or records held by any government or public institution, reinforcing the principle that information is a public good and should be readily accessible to all citizens.
