By Lucy Ogalue
The Rebirth for Media Liberation and Development Initiative (RMDI), an NGO, has decried low implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI ) Act by public institutions.
The Chairman of the organisation, Mr Bala Musa, in a media briefing in Abuja, said it was imperative for stakeholders to collaborate on measures to tackle the situation.
Musa said:” the FOI Act of May 28, 2011, is meant to promote open government, integrity on governance and accountability in the delivery of dividends of democracy.
” But 13 years after its promulgation, it is yet to be maximally implemented in Nigeria, thus the need for collaboration with stakeholders, especially the media, to join in the campaign, ” he said.
The National Director of Logistics and Mobilisation, RMDI, Daniel Maiyaki said the NGO was collaborating with the House of Representatives Committee on FOI to tackle the low implementation of the Act.
According to Maiyaki, both parties are set to host a national workshop for stakeholders on Sept. 24 to Sept. 25, that will fast-track the implementation of the FOI Act.
“The upcoming workshop is designed to address the 13-year gap in awareness and application of the FOI Act, which was first enacted in May 2011.
“The FOI Act has been poorly utilised by both the public and government institutions, leading to widespread issues in governance, transparency, and accountability.
“Thirteen years after its establishment, the level of acceptance and implementation of the FOI Act remains dismally low. This workshop is, however, critical to addressing these challenges,” he said.
Maiyaki said the workshop would feature public presentation of a book: “Freedom of Information Act: Gateway to Open Government and Accountability in Nigeria”.
He said the book, authored by Saidu Miga, the Chairman, House Committee on FOI and edited/produced by RMDI, was expected to be a key resource for the training sessions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organised for top decision-makers in federal and state public institutions, including Permanent Secretaries, Directors-General, and Heads of Procurement.
“Its purpose is to ensure these officials understand their obligations under the FOI Act, particularly when it comes to granting citizens access to public information and maintaining accurate records.
“The workshop is seen as a crucial step in ensuring that Nigeria’s public institutions adhere to the principles of open governance.
“Following the Abuja event, RMDI intends to roll out similar workshops across various states in an effort to solidify transparency and public accountability nationwide,” he said
Maiyaki urged the media to play a significant role in promoting and publicising this initiative, describing it as a “National Rebirth Project” aimed at aligning with Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
NAN reports that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , Nyesom Wike, will chair the event, with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, serving as the Chief Guest of Honour.
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa is to present the book, while other dignitaries, including the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), are expected to attend the event.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA