The Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, emphasized the Nigerian government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the public sector. This statement was made during a conference in Abuja titled “Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector,” held in observance of the International Day for Universal Access to Information.
Discussing recent court decisions that have reinforced the Freedom of Information Act, she highlighted the judiciary’s crucial role in fostering transparency in public institutions. She stressed the importance of government business being conducted transparently without secrecy.
The Solicitor General mentioned that court rulings have supported the disclosure of government information by public institutions, thereby enhancing the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act in Nigeria. She also noted the efforts of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in providing guidelines to promote best practices and cultural change concerning access to government information.
The conference’s objectives include evaluating advancements in government information accessibility and advocating for a culture of openness within public organizations. The Solicitor General revealed plans for the “Award of FOIA Compliance 2025” to acknowledge institutions excelling in upholding transparency principles, aiming to establish a new standard for accountability.
She urged government officials, stakeholders, and civil society to participate in constructive dialogues to reshape information access in Nigeria, emphasizing the necessity for consistent policies across all sectors.