By Dada Ahmed.
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has hailed the Supreme Court’s recent judgment affirming that the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011 applies to all levels of government in Nigeria, describing the verdict as a major step forward for democracy and accountability.
In a statement issued in Lagos, and a copy made available to The Reporters on Monday,MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Ayode Longe, said the decision strengthens the legal framework for open government and empowers the media, civil society, and citizens to challenge corruption and end secrecy in public institutions.
“We are pleased with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which confirms what we have always believed — that the FOI Act binds all public institutions, whether federal, state, or local. This is a historic and decisive judgment that affirms every Nigerian’s right to access public information, no matter where they live or which level of government is involved,” Longe said.
He criticized some state governments that had previously claimed the FOI Act did not apply to them because it wasn’t “domesticated” in their states. According to him, this excuse is a tactic to avoid transparency and accountability.
“For over 14 years, some states used this argument to dodge their responsibility to the public. But this judgment removes any doubt and holds every public institution in Nigeria accountable under the law,” Longe added.
He commended the litigants and their legal team for their persistence in taking the case to the Supreme Court, as well as the justices for affirming the public’s right to know how government resources are managed.
MRA urged all public institutions, particularly at the state and local levels, to begin full implementation of the FOI Act without delay. This includes responding to information requests, publishing relevant public data proactively, appointing FOI Desk Officers, and establishing efficient systems to handle FOI applications.
Longe also called on civil society, the media, and citizens to actively use the FOI Act to hold government institutions accountable and participate more fully in governance.
