MRA Urges Full Implementation of Nigeria's FOI Act on 14th Anniversary

As Nigeria marks 14 years since the enactment of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on public institutions at all levels of government to fully and effectively implement the law, citing widespread non-compliance and systemic resistance that continue to undermine its impact.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Lagos, MRA commended the FOI Act’s role in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance since it was signed into law on May 28, 2011. However, the organization expressed concern over the continued failure of many government agencies to uphold their responsibilities under the law.

MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Ayode Longe described the FOI Act as a vital democratic tool, saying it enables citizens to hold public officials accountable and plays a critical role in the fight against corruption.

“Yet, too many public institutions continue to treat the Act with disdain,” he said. “They ignore or reject information requests, fail to designate FOI Desk Officers, and neglect to file annual implementation reports with the Attorney-General of the Federation.”

MRA noted that while civil society organizations, journalists, and concerned citizens have actively used the FOI Act to uncover mismanagement and advocate for reforms, many face arbitrary denials, delayed responses, and even intimidation. Court rulings in favor of access to information are also frequently ignored, the organization said.

Despite these challenges, the FOI Act has proven effective in exposing corruption and driving reforms in service delivery, particularly through investigative journalism and civil society engagement. MRA cited recent revelations achieved using the Act as evidence of its potential when properly implemented.

The group welcomed a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the applicability of the FOI Act across all levels of government, describing it as a reaffirmation of the law’s national scope and urging immediate compliance by state and local governments.

Mr. Longe also pointed to ongoing obstacles such as poor record-keeping, lack of funding, and bureaucratic bottlenecks that have stifled the Act’s implementation. He called on the government to:

. Enforce proactive disclosure of information;

. Improve public officials’ awareness and training;

. Protect whistleblowers and information requesters;

. Sanction institutions that fail to comply with the law.

In commemoration of the anniversary, MRA also released a short video documentary highlighting key achievements in its campaign to ensure the effective implementation of the FOI Act.

The FOI Act was signed into law by then-President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011, following over a decade of advocacy by civil society organizations.