The National Meteorological Agency (NiMet), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMJ) has held a one-day seminar to sensitise deputy and assistant general managers of the agency on the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011. The seminar aimed to deepen the Federal Government’s commitment to the accessibility of public records and information.
The director-general of NiMet, represented by the director of human resources management and administration, Alhaji Saleh Tukur Yusuf emphasised that implementing the FOI Act would promote openness, accountability and good governance, ultimately reducing corruption in the public service.
In his address, he highlighted the importance of operating an open government policy, stating that NiMet has been observing the provisions of the FOI Act by organising monthly press briefings, allowing journalists to ask questions about the agency’s operations and administration.
The head of the FOI unit in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Godwin Garuba presented a paper on the implications and consequences for Federal Government organisations that refuse to release requested information. He commended the DG NiMet and the FOIA desk officer in NiMet, Mrs. Theresa Ushie, for their adherence to the FOI Act. He acknowledged their proactive approach to disclosing information through press releases, regular social media updates and other strategies employed by the organisation.
This seminar marks the second batch of FOI sensitisation events organised by NiMet, with the first event targeting top management staff last year. The agency plans to cascade the seminar to other categories of staff in the future.
