FOI: MRA, IPC seek sanctions against erring officials

The Media Rights Agenda and the International Press Centre have urged sanctions against public officials and institutions that repeatedly and deliberately breach Nigeria's Freedom of Information Act. The organizations highlighted widespread non-compliance, with many institutions denying, delaying or ignoring legitimate information requests.

They made this call at a conference held in Lagos on September 28, 2026, to mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information. The conference theme emphasized that transparency matters more than ever in the age of disinformation. The conference's Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, stressed that public institutions must provide credible information, clearly explain decisions, and respond appropriately to legitimate requests.

Participants noted that despite the FOI Act being in place for over 15 years, compliance remains poor at all government levels. They pointed out that ignorance of the Act among officials and citizens, along with a culture of secrecy in public institutions, hindered effective implementation. The lack of timely and reliable information, they warned, could hinder investigative journalism, public-interest reporting, and civic monitoring.

The stakeholders resolved to use the FOI Act more strategically in investigative reporting, civic monitoring, research, and advocacy, while strengthening collaboration among media organizations, lawyers, and civil society groups. They called for greater commitment from governments at all levels, the establishment of dedicated FOI desks in public institutions, and proactive publication of information in line with the Act.

The participants urged the media to use the FOI Act more systematically, civil society groups to intensify public enlightenment and advocacy, and the Attorney-General of the Federation to issue directives against violators. The judiciary was urged to expedite FOI case hearings, and the National Orientation Agency to boost grassroots awareness of citizens' information rights.