Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, says the effective implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act will promote transparency and accountability in governance....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
Speaking in Abuja on Monday at an event to commemorate the 2024 International Anti-Corruption Day, organised by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) in collaboration with the ministry of justice, Fagbemi emphasised that the act would help Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
The theme of the event was ‘Uniting with youth against corruption: Shaping tomorrow’s integrity’.
Represented by Godwin Garba, head of the FoI unit at the ministry, Fagbemi noted that the act has paved the way for transparency in government operations.
“The Freedom of Information Act has paved the way for transparency in the conduct of government businesses and where the public sector can be held accountable,” he said.
“The state high courts and federal high courts, in a plethora of cases, have given landmark rulings and judgments in FOI cases in order to promote the implementation of the act.”
On ease of accessing public information using the act, Fagbemi said the onus is on the office of the AGF to ensure that the law is popularised among government institutions.
“In the area of the citizens, the act also expects CSOs to get the citizens involved on how to use the act,” he said.
“On our 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.
“In the government space, the AGF has tried as much as possible to release guidelines, train so many desk officers, and even the CEOs of various government offices on how to use the act and on how to release information. Their response has been encouraging.” ...CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE➤
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