FOIA will promote transparency, accountability in governance – FG

The Federal Government says the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) will promote transparency and accountability in all governance.

Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice made known during an event to commemorate 12 years of implementing the FOIA on Wednesday in Abuja.

Jedy-Agba was represented by the Director, Solicitor Department, Mrs Gladys Odegbaro.

She stressed the need for the public to have unfettered access to government records and information noting that as at the last count, only 90 MDAs have submitted their annual report.

“FOIA imposes enormous responsibilities on all Nigerians because the promotion of transparency and accountability in the conduct of government business cannot be achieved without the strong support of the MDAs.

“The AGF in compliance to Section 29（7) of FOI Act submits to the National Assembly an annual report on or before April 1 of each year”.

She used the opportunity to encourage all public institutions who are not compliant with the submission of their annual reports to begin to comply.

In a short speech, the guest speaker, Prof. Peter Akper SAN advocated for strong political will on the part of the government to allow citizens access to information as prescribed by the law.

Also speaking, Mrs Ene Nwankpa, a non-state actor from ‘Right to Know’ stressed the need for a proactive disclosure, calling for prompt implementation and improved interactions.