FOI violations: IPC seeks sanctions’ review for public officials - QUICK NEWS AFRICA

The International Press Centre advocates for amending Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act to strengthen sanctions against officials who deliberately withhold public records. This push highlights the persistent failure of the current regime to ensure accountability, arguing that outdated penalties fail to deter secrecy among political leaders who prioritize personal interests over public transparency. A critical implication for open data is the proposed overhaul of reporting mechanisms to include all government ministries and agencies. Currently, many departments escape scrutiny because they are excluded from annual reports submitted to the legislature. Updating these standards ensures comprehensive visibility of government operations, which is essential for effective civic monitoring and data-driven governance. Furthermore, the article emphasizes that the FOI Act is a federal law applicable nationwide, rendering state-level domestication unnecessary. Recognizing this clarifies the legal landscape, ensuring uniform access to information across all jurisdictions. This shift reduces bureaucratic hurdles for researchers and citizens seeking data, thereby enhancing the accessibility and usability of public information in Nigeria.

Source: quicknews-africa.net
Published on 2025-07-29

FOI violations: IPC seeks sanctions’ review for public officials - QUICK NEWS AFRICA

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