The European Union on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to enforce the Freedom of Information Act in all public institutions to reinforce legitimacy in governance by addressing sustainable development challenges and democracy deficits.
The organisation said it became necessary because of the lack of access to public information.
The demand was made by the Representative of EU delegation to Nigeria and Head of Section, Democracy, Governance and Migration, Clement Boutillier, in Abuja during a two day workshop for FoI Desk Officers of public institutions organized by the International Press Centre, Media Right Agenda and the Freedom of Information Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The event with the theme, ‘Facilitating shared learning, experience sharing and best practice application in the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011’ was supported by the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Project.
According to Boutillier, no democracy can function without full transparency and access to public information, adding that the quality of democratic processes is linked to the state of access to information, freedom of expression as well as media freedom and pluralism.
While stating that access to information was an essential tool in the fight against corruption by identifying and uncovering corrupt practices and enabling participation in the development of anti-corruption policy and law, he regretted that there were still FOl requests that go unaddressed and called for action to address the challenge.
Boutillier said, “We would like to take this opportunity to encourage the government to take measures to strengthen the efficient implementation of the FOl act. I would like once again to stress the important role of the freedom of information act in fostering democracy and in promoting a culture of dialogue, and restate our commitment to supporting the safety and welfare of all individuals who rely on this act in the course of their duties.
“However, there are still Fol requests that go unaddressed and we must do all we can to address this challenge.
“Freedom of information and expression is a fundamental right enshrined in international law. Most recently, new technologies have imposed themselves as an extremely powerful medium for the preservation and strengthening of this right.
“Public, free, diverse and independent access to information are at the core of a pluralistic and open society, while increasing the free flow of government information.
“In turn, it guarantees that the government is better understood and reinforces its legitimacy by addressing sustainable development challenges and democracy deficits. Ultimately. FOl promotes government institutions that work for the people.”
Earlier in his keynote address, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said that the Ministry had continuously encouraged public Institutions to comply with proactive disclosure obligations under Section 2 of the Act.
He said that an increasing number of Public Institutions have developed platforms for their Proactive Disclosure requirements under the Act.
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