The Nigerian Government has called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to employ proactive methods in sharing information with the public when requested.
Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi encouraged at an event marking International Day for Universal Access to Information in Abuja.
He said proactive disclosures occur when an MDA releases information without being asked for it.
Going by the theme of this year’s commemoration which is “the importance of online space for access to informed,” the Minister urged government agencies to make use of the internet and other ICT tools at their disposal.
“For example, by publishing datasets on its website. It increases the flow of information from government to the public and limits the need for formal applications under the Freedom of Information FOI Acts.”
Fagbemi emphasized that the adoption of proactive disclosure measures also assists the MDAs in reducing time and resources in reviewing requests and will demonstrate government commitment to transparency.
The Attorney General represented by Director Solicitors Mrs Gladys Obegbero believes that the government’s demonstration of transparency and openness should be embraced by all MDAs as it goes a long way to improve confidence and socio-economic development in Nigeria.
He said: “In our ever-evolving world, it is important that the Government provides access to correct and adequate information to prevent false or misconstrued information from filling up any information gap.
“I therefore stand with you as partners in the growth and development of Democratic norms through supporting access to correct and adequate information,“ Fagbemi added.
Also, the Head of the FOI unit Barrister Godwin Garba announced that the government in Nigeria through the office of the Head of Service of the federation OHSF, has come up with a strategy and implementation plan for 2021-2025 to prioritize digitization in governance.
He encouraged FOI desk officers in MDA’s to embrace e-governance in disclosing information to Nigerians.
Other stakeholders and civil society organizations expressed support for FOI saying, that access to information promotes openness, fosters public relations between citizens and government as well and ensures ease in governance.
The International Day for Universal Access to Information was proclaimed on 15 October 2019 at the 74th UN General Assembly to be held on 28 every September.
