Chinedum Elekwachi
Solicitor General of Anambra state, Ngozi Iwuno, has stressed the need to prioritize the FOI Act in courts as well as issuance of sanctions for wrongful denials
She also called for inclusion of Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in civic education curricula to achieve better implementation of the Act.
Iwuno spoke in Awka at the South-East Regional Roundtable on the FOI Act in Nigeria, Themed: “14 Years of FOI Implementation at the Sub-National Levels in Nigeria: Strengthening Access, Accountability, and Citizen Engagement”
According to her, “The courts must prioritize FOI cases and issue sanctions for wrongful denials.
“When legal remedies are swift and decisive, they serve as a deterrent to non-compliance.”
She also canvassed for institutionalization of FOI compliance across all levels of government.
Iwuno noted that when legal remedies were swift and decisive, they could serve as deterrents to non-compliance.
She also underscored the importance of public education, technology as well as need to leverage digital platforms to facilitate proactive disclosure.
“We need to make the FOI Act part of civic education curricula. Our citizens must understand not only their rights but also how to assert them.
“Imagine if secondary school students understood how to write an FOI request. That’s how we build a future of informed citizens.
CSOs as watchdogs
The Solicitor General charged civil society organizations to continue to act as watchdogs, advocates, and educators.
“Government and civil society are not adversaries; we are partners in democratic development.
She identified culture of secrecy in public service and capacity gaps as major challenges hindering full implementation of FOI Act, especially at the sub-national level.
The Permanent Secretary also listed poor judicial enforcement and lack of adequate digital infrastructure for proper record-keeping and information dissemination in many Ministries, Department and Agencies as impediments to FOIA implementation.
Iwuno urged stakeholders to keep the flame of accountability burning. “Also, public servants should not view FOIA as an enemy, but a shield that protects them from the erosion of trust.
“It also forces them to do their jobs better as well as offers them opportunity to serve with integrity.
Difficult in accessing information
Earlier, Executive Director, Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), Faith Nwadishi lamented difficulty in obtaining clear, timely and complete information from most MDAs, especially at state and local government levels despite efforts by CSOs.
She described FOI Act as one of the strongest tools in fighting corruption as well as weapon against secrecy and impunity.
Nwadishi challenged citizens to lead the transparency struggle as the strongest force that sustains nation’s economy and collective existence.
“This round table is part of a broader effort under the Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative (SAGNI)—a 12-month project we are implementing with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funding from the European Union through International IDEA.
“The project focused on selected federal institutions, departments in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Anambra and Edo States is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.
“We need the media to continue informing citizens and civil society to train and educate citizens on how to use the FOI Act.
“We also need government officials and institutions to not just comply—but champion transparency.
She insisted that access to information is not just a legal provision but also the heartbeat of democracy.
“If people don’t know, they cannot act. If they cannot act, they cannot hold power to account.
She further argued that if power is not accountable, democracy suffers calling on all to put the law to test.
“Let us not allow 14 more years to pass before we take this law seriously.
“Together, let’s ensure the FOI Act works for all Nigerians as we urge all the states in the South-East region to implement the FoI Act.”
