IPC, Ministry of Justice deepen awareness on use of FOI
By Deborah Coker
Abuja, Nov. 29, 2024 (NAN)
The International Press Centre (IPC) on Friday partnered with the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMOJ) on deepening the collaborative framework around proactive disclosure and responsiveness to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests.
The One-day Information Sharing and Engagement Forum with FOI desk Officers of selected Public Institutions had participants from several public institutions in the FCT.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the event is part of the activities under Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project.
In his opening remarks, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said that it was necessary for citizens to be able to access government records and information.
Fagbemi represented by Mr Godwin Garuba, Head, FOI Unit FMOJ, said that Nigerians should be able to know what the governments were doing.
He, however, said that for them to get to that level, though already provided in the constitution, a procedure must be made for them to access and to know the activities of their governments.
“Deepening our understanding of the FOI Act and knowing what roles are expected of us in the implementation of the FOI cannot be overemphasised,” he said.
He said that the partnership with the IPC was therefore apt as it was an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the FOI Act as well as its implementation.
Similarly Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye, Board member, IPC, said that the essence of the event was to share knowledge because the schedule of the FOI desk officers was very important.
Ogunleye, also a former Provost of the Institute of Journalism noted that without information, the citizens would be unable to participate in government and there won’t be successful democracy.
“That is why in IPC, we have three main objectives, namely; promoting press freedom, promoting access to information, as well as promoting freedom of expression.
“Little wonder then that we are behind this event. This is a learning session, we want to learn from you,” he said.
In their various goodwill messages, representatives of major public institutions in the FCT harped on the importance of implementing the FOI Act.
Mr Olusegun Ogunbiyi, an Assistant Corps Marshal, and Corps Public Education officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said the event would afford participants the opportunity to have better understanding of the FOI Act.
In the same vein, Mr Sambo Isiaku, from the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), said he was happy that the FMOJ was waking up to the responsibility of the oversight function on the implementation of the FOI Act.
“It has been demonstrated that transparency and accountability is a function of disclosure of information.
“If you look at the OGP, it has been demonstrated that the open government partnership cannot take place without an informed citizen on their rights and privileges.
“So, I hope you will take advantage of this and acquire as much knowledge as possible to deepen our understanding of the FOI Act,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that paper presentations on various topics were delivered by resource persons.
The topics which include “Understanding Freedom of Information Act and its Mandate on the Public Institution” was delivered by Godwin Garuba, Head FOI Unit, FMOJ.
Others were; “Global Best Practices and the Imperative of Proactive Disclosure and Compliance with the provision of the FOI Act”, and was delivered by Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye.
The third paper titled: “Desk Officers Annual Reporting Template Under the FOI Act” was delivered by Nafisat Ibrahim, FOI Desk Officer, FMOJ.
NAN