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Article
The Relevance of Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act (2011) to the Country’s Anti-corruption War
Author(s)
Chike Walter Duru
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DOI:10.17265/2160-6579/2016.12.005
Affiliation(s)
Justice For All/British Council, Abuja, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
This essay is centred on Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act, with special interest in its relevance in the country’s anti-corruption war. The paper reiterates that the law was passed to enable the public to access certain government information, in order to ensure transparency and accountability. The FOI Act aims to make public records and information more freely available and to protect public records and information, in accordance with the public interest and protection of personal privacy. It enables citizens to hold the government accountable in the event of the misappropriation of public funds or failure to deliver public services. It also seeks to protect serving public officers against any adverse consequences from the unauthorized disclosure of certain kinds of official information, and to establish procedures for the achievement of these purposes. The Act further regulates conflicts between its provisions and those of other legislations. The paper contends that Freedom of Information is a fundamental indicator of economic development and progress, civic engagement and a properly functional democracy in every economy, describing it as a promising start in ensuring good governance and rule of law in Nigeria. The paper stresses the need for vigorous implementation of the FOI Act if the country is to make any significant breakthrough in the enthronement of good governance, transparency and accountability, adding that a strengthened FOI regime will enhance citizens’ demand for accountability and check corruption in Nigeria.
KEYWORDS
Freedom of Information Act, good governance, anti-corruption, Nigeria
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