ICIR tasks journalists on utilizing FOI Act

Journalists are urged to actively employ the Freedom of Information Act as a vital investigative tool to foster transparent governance and combat corruption. By requesting data from public entities, the media can empower citizens with the information needed for informed decision-making, thereby reducing abuse of power and promoting accountability. This approach positions the press as a primary driver in enforcing open data practices rather than relying solely on civil society organizations. However, implementation faces significant hurdles, including cumbersome bureaucratic processes and a lack of institutional competency among government agencies. Although the law mandates prompt responses, many ministries fail to comply, often citing exemptions related to national security or public interest. This systemic non-compliance is exacerbated by the absence of strict sanctions, which allows agencies to hoard information without consequence, hindering the act’s potential impact. The relevance to open data lies in the critical need for proactive disclosure and structural accountability. For open data initiatives to succeed, public institutions must develop standardized templates for inquiry responses and be held responsible for non-compliance. Recognizing transparent agencies while penalizing those that withhold information is essential to transforming legal rights into practical, accessible data flows that benefit both the media and the public.

Source: quicknews-africa.net
Published on 2025-09-30

ICIR tasks journalists on utilizing FOI Act

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