Edo govt, ANEEJ, RoLAC sensitise MDAs on FOIA implementation

Edo govt, ANEEJ, RoLAC sensitise MDAs on FOIA implementation

Edo State has launched a sensitization initiative to empower permanent secretaries and heads of agencies in implementing the Freedom of Information Act. This effort aligns with Supreme Court rulings confirming the law’s applicability to state institutions, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of democratic governance and accountability. The primary goal is to institutionalize transparency by ensuring public bodies are responsive to information requests. By mandating clear communication regarding denials and designating specific officers, the state aims to reduce corruption and improve fiscal oversight, thereby fostering greater trust between the government and citizens. This development is highly relevant to open data because it establishes the legal framework necessary for the systematic release of public information. By treating access to government data as a right rather than a privilege, this move promotes the availability of actionable public sector data, enabling better civic engagement and independent scrutiny of administrative actions.

Source: nigerianobservernews.com
Published on 2025-08-27