The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, stating that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will not conduct government business in secrecy.
Fagbemi encouraged Nigerians to take full advantage of the Freedom of Information Act to demand accountability from their elected and appointed representatives at both federal and state levels.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ town hall meeting on the “Application of the Freedom of Information Act,” organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, in Awka, Anambra State, Fagbemi emphasised that public officeholders should willingly make their activities known to the public.
Fagbemi, who was represented at the event by Garba Sunday, a lawyer in the FoIA Department of the Federal Ministry of Justice, noted that the Act empowers Nigerians to access government information and records without having to justify their request.
According to him, “The Act also provides for people with disabilities and the vulnerable to access government records, noting that requests for release of such information must be in writing and not orally.”
He further explained that beyond responding to specific requests, public institutions are expected to proactively disclose their activities to the public.
“Aside from reactive responses to FoIA requests, public institutions are expected to proactively disclose their activities in the public space for free access by the public. To ensure easy implementation of the Act, public institutions must ensure that they keep their records in such a way that it will be easy to access by any requester.”
Fagbemi, however, pointed out that while the Act guarantees access to information, certain exemptions apply.
“Despite the fact that the Act guarantees the right to access information, there are exemptions and conditions you must comply with before certain government information and records are released, and also there are certain information that the Act does not apply to.”
He commended the Anambra State Government for its implementation of the Act, which he said has enabled residents to stay informed about government activities.
“I understand that the Anambra State Government has been making use of the Act, enabling Anambra people to know what the government is doing. The government must be commended for doing that.”
Fagbemi urged Nigerians to embrace the FoIA as a tool for ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
“I’m imploring everyone in the country to avail themselves of the FoIA instrument to know the activities of the government and hold them accountable to the citizens. It is your right to know and participate in the governance of this great country.”
He also appreciated the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption programme for supporting the town hall meeting, highlighting that the purpose of the Act is to promote good governance rather than being used as a weapon for blackmail.
“We are also appreciating RoLAC through CTA for making this town hall meeting on the FoI Act possible. Remember that the purpose of the FoI Act is for transparency, accountability, openness, and good governance in the public sector, and not for blackmailing and fighting the government.”
Earlier in her remarks, the Executive Director of CTA, Faith Nwadishi, lamented that many Nigerians remain unaware of the FoIA, despite its passage over 14 years ago.
She stated that although the Act empowers citizens, including women, youth, and Persons With Disabilities, to hold the government accountable, its implementation has been sluggish.
Nwadishi noted that the Act enables citizens to track budgets, monitor programmes, and expose corruption where necessary.
She said the town hall meeting provided a platform to discuss how the Act promotes the rights of marginalised groups and ensures inclusivity in the fight against corruption.
“This event is one among the CTA activities that focus on promoting transparency and accountability in governance, highlighting the efforts of the Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative in the Federal Capital Territory, Anambra State, and Edo State through the FoI Act,” Nwadishi stated.
