NIGERIA’S FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

Chike Walter Duru, Nkiru Ezeh

Abstract


This paper examines Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act, with special interest in the opportunities and challenges therein. It reiterates the fact that the law enables the public to access certain government information in order to ensure transparency and accountability. The Act enables citizens to hold the government accountable, especially, in an event of misappropriation of public funds. It also seeks to protect serving public officers against any adverse consequences from the unauthorized disclosure of official information. The paper contends that Freedom of Information is a fundamental indicator of economic development and progress, describing it as a promising start in ensuring good governance in Nigeria. It argues that its vigorous implementation is essential, if Nigeria must make significant breakthrough in the enthronement of good governance in the country. Anchored on the Social Responsibility and Libertarian theories of the press, the paper, in a discourse analysis, contends that a strengthened FOI regime will check abuse of public offices in Nigeria.


Keywords


Freedom of Information, Open Society, Democracy, Nigeria

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