The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has called for the effective domestication and implementation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) across all states in Nigeria.
CTA Executive Director, Faith Nwadishi made the call in Abuja at an event to mark the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day.
Nwadishi in her address at the event, emphasized the importance of leveraging FOIA as a tool to combat corruption and promote transparency in governance.
The event is part of the Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative (SAGNI) being implemented by CTA with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funding from the European Union through International IDEA. The project aims at tracking government spending and improving transparency and accountability in governance through the use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Under the theme “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity Using FOIA 2011 as a Tool,” the event brought together stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organizations, media and state governments.
Nwadishi highlighted the urgency of tackling corruption, which continues to undermine democratic institutions, distort economic development, and erode public trust.
“FOIA empowers citizens to demand transparency and accountability from government institutions,” she said.
“Through effective domestication and deployment of this Act across states, we can expose embezzlement, misappropriation, and abuse of office, ensuring openness in budgeting, contracting, and public procurement.”
The CTA boss, however raised concerns about the low awareness among citizens and poor domestication of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011, describing these issues as significant barriers to anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
She noted that, “Importantly, as we go on with this project, we aim to increase awareness: Educate citizens on their rights and responsibilities even as we plead with government institutions to ensure proper information management and disclosure.
Nwadishi urged citizens to utilize the FOIA to demand transparency, participate in governance, while the civil society should continue advocating, monitoring, and supporting anti-corruption efforts.
She said, “Through SAGNI, we aim to empower citizens, civil society organizations (CSOs), youth and women’s groups, persons with disabilities (PWDs), the media, and legal practitioners to demand accountability at all levels of governance. We hope that by fostering greater transparency, this project will catalyze a shift toward a governance culture that openly resists corruption and celebrates accountability.”
Also speaking, Attorney General of the Federation and minister of Justice, Lateef Fabgemi (SAN) said the federal government is committed to ensuring that government institutions quickly respond to requests made under the Freedom of Information Act.
Represented by Godwin Garba, Head, FOI unit at the ministry of justice, the Attorney general said, “in the area of the citizens, the Act also expects CSOs to get the citizens involved on how to use the ACT. On our own side, we found out that the majority of the Nigerian citizens are not even aware of the Act and that has been a major bottleneck to its implementation.”
Meanwhile, the governments of Anambra and Edo states have pledged to speed up the domestication of the FOIA in their respective states.
In his goodwill message at the, Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr Samson Osagie said the state government has set up modalities to ensure that the Act is domesticated.
Represented by Barrister Roseline Osarugue Osunde, the Commissioner for Justice said the previous administration of Godwin Obaseki had sent the FOI bill to the state assembly but could not get it passed.
He said, “The new administration has put in modalities to ensure all pending bill at the state assembly are passed. The FOIA shall take priority among these bills. Upon passage, we will set up FOI desk in the state to ensure speedy implementation.”
The commissioner emphasized the need for transparency in government, saying that the FOI will help deter corruption amongst MDAs in the state
He said, “Will ensure it is passed wethin the shortest possible time and will ensure full implementation.”
Also speaking Anambra State Commissioner for Justice pledged that the state government is committed to transparency and will speed up the domestication of the FOIA in the state.
Represented by Chinwe Okonkwo Okom, the Commissioner said, “We promise that in a short while, we will have the law in place and also have FOIA desk officers across MDAs.”
