THE RIGHT TO ACCESS INFORMATION: NIGERIA’S FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2011, 14 YEARS AFTER

Abstract

The right to access information is recognised as a fundamental right and a necessary complement of democratic governance. Nigeria joined the global community in asserting this right by enacting the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 (FOIA), widely acclaimed as revolutionary in the nation’s quest to eradicate the culture of secrecy in governance and embrace open government ethos. Deploying the doctrinal research methodology, the paper analyses the provisions of the Act, judicial pronouncements and views of learned authors to assess the extent to which the Act has been implemented over the past 14 years. It seeks to determine whether the Act is fit for purpose in its current form or needs to be reformed/amended to enhance its implementation and effectiveness. The paper posits that, although the Act substantially mirrors global trends in freedom of information legislation, local peculiarities and challenges operate to impede access to information. It therefore recommends that certain amendments, reforms, provision of equipment and IT infrastructure, and attitudinal changes are required to enhance the enjoyment of the right to information in Nigeria.