By correspondent in Ilorin.
Journalists in Nigeria have been advised to fully leverage the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act as a vital tool for uncovering hidden stories and truths in their investigative work.A
Ayode Longe, a representative of Media Rights Agenda (MRA) in Lagos, gave the advice in the message he delivered during an online lecture for journalists in Ilorin.
This session was part of the Collaborative Media Project (CMP), organized by Albarka FM and funded by the MacArthur Foundation.
Supported by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), the CMP aims to foster development, inclusivity, and accountability in media reporting.
The lecture, titled “From Request to Revelation: How Journalists Can Leverage the FOI Act to Unearth Hidden Narratives,” was designed to equip reporters with the legal tools necessary to access information from official sources.
Longe addressed the challenges journalists face in Nigeria, particularly in obtaining critical information related to governance. “Journalists must harness the potential of the FOI Act when crafting investigative reports,” he emphasized, noting that the law serves as a powerful instrument for revealing obscured narratives.
Despite court rulings affirming the FOI Act’s applicability, many states, including Kwara, have yet to implement it effectively. Longe shared practical examples of successful FOI requests, highlighting the law’s broad scope in accessing essential records and data for impactful reporting.
He also pointed out that the Act provides protection against unnecessary legal disputes, stating, “It shields journalists and their platforms from unwarranted legal challenges.”
Additionally, Longe noted that the hesitance of some state governors to implement the FOI law has hindered progress toward transparency and access to information.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
