In search of FOI that barks and bites, by Taiwo Adisa |

A recent landmark ruling by the Ondo State High Court reinforces the legal obligation of government officials to disclose financial records under the Freedom of Information Act. This judicial intervention challenges persistent administrative resistance and clarifies that state agencies cannot claim exemption from transparency laws based on constitutional ambiguities. It serves as a critical test case for enforcing accountability in sub-national governance, demonstrating that the judiciary remains a vital mechanism for upholding citizens’ rights to access public information. The broader context highlights a significant erosion of public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, evidenced by declining voter turnout and widespread disillusionment. Without ready access to factual data regarding service delivery and expenditure, citizens cannot effectively participate in or hold their government accountable. The article argues that transparency is not merely a legal technicality but the fundamental oxygen of democracy, enabling informed civic engagement and reversing the trend of political alienation that threatens the stability of the current regime. Relevance to open data lies in the urgent call to reform legal frameworks to ensure sustainable data availability. Civil society stakeholders are advocating for stronger enforcement mechanisms, including independent appeal bodies and clear sanctions for non-compliance, rather than merely relying on litigation. The analysis suggests that Nigeria must strengthen its open data infrastructure by aligning with global best practices, ensuring that public institutions are not just legally compelled but institutionally equipped to proactively release and maintain high-quality, accessible public data.

Source: theeagleonline.com.ng
Published on 2025-10-06

In search of FOI that barks and bites, by Taiwo Adisa |

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