A CRITICAL OVERVIEW OF NIGERIA’S FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2011

Abstract

Just as oxygen is to the continuous survival of mankind, information is more than just a necessity for every democratic society; it is crucial for effective governance. The Freedom of Information Act 2011 marks a transformative step in Nigerian democratic journey, granting the legal authority to access public information with a view to enhancing transparency and accountability in governance. However, thirteenth (13th) years after the passage of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, there is still much to be done. The mystery and/or secrecy associated with accessing public information in Nigeria has continued to question the very existence of the Freedom of Information Act 2011. Using the doctrinal research approach, this paper, therefore, gives a brief overview of the key aspects of the Freedom of Information Act 2011;its scope and application, thereby noting the challenges that have been affecting its manifestation within the Nigerian public service. The self-limiting nature of the Act is one of its greatest undoing, and the impracticable seven days’ timeframe of responding to an applicant’s request, are the Act greatest challenge as well as lack of awareness about the existence of the Act. The paper proposes the need for reforms in order to strengthen the implementation of the Act in Nigeria.