MRA, IPC Raise Alarm Over Poor Compliance With Nigeria’s FOI ACT -

By Temilade Aloko

IBADAN — Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the International Press Centre (IPC) have raised concerns over the poor implementation of Nigeria’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 15 years after its enactment.

The organisations made the observation at a multi-stakeholder conference held in Lagos on September 28, 2026, to commemorate the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).

The conference, themed “Freedom of Information in the Age of Disinformation: Why Transparency Matters More Than Ever,” brought together journalists, civil society organisations, lawyers and other stakeholders to examine access to information and its role in promoting transparency and accountability.

Participants expressed concern that many public institutions continue to ignore or delay FOI requests, deny access to information without legitimate reasons and fail to proactively disclose information required by law.

They also identified limited awareness of the FOI Act among both public officials and citizens, as well as a persistent culture of secrecy in some public institutions, as major barriers to effective implementation.

According to the participants, delays in releasing information can undermine investigative journalism, civic monitoring and other public-interest activities, particularly when the information sought is time-sensitive.

The conference also noted that the lack of timely and reliable information from government institutions could create information gaps that make it more difficult for citizens and journalists to verify claims and distinguish accurate information from misinformation and disinformation.

Speaking at the event, IPC Executive Director, Mr Lanre Arogundade, said combating disinformation should go beyond asking citizens to fact-check information.

He stressed that public institutions also have a responsibility to provide credible information, explain decisions and respond appropriately to legitimate requests for information.

Participants further drew attention to the gender dimensions of access to information, noting that women and other marginalised groups may face additional barriers in obtaining public information and participating in transparency and accountability processes.

They called for greater public awareness of the FOI Act and urged citizens, journalists and civil society organisations to make more strategic use of the law in investigative reporting, research, advocacy and civic monitoring.

The conference also called on public institutions to establish functional FOI desks staffed by trained personnel, improve record-keeping systems and proactively publish information as required by the law.

The Attorney-General of the Federation was urged to strengthen oversight and take appropriate action against institutions and officials that persistently violate the provisions of the FOI Act.

Participants also called on the judiciary to expedite the hearing of FOI cases to ensure that information obtained through litigation remains relevant and useful.

They urged the National Orientation Agency to intensify public enlightenment on citizens’ right to information, particularly at the grassroots.

The stakeholders reaffirmed that access to credible public information remains essential to transparency, accountability and meaningful citizen participation in governance, particularly in an information environment increasingly affected by misinformation and disinformation.

The conference was organised by Media Rights Agenda and the International Press Centre.