By Jacinta Nwachukwu
Stakeholders canvassing for implementation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) have advocated the use of technology to enhance access to information in government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
They made the call at the Access to Information Conference (AIC), organised by the Public and Private Department Centre (PPDC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice in Abuja on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, which has “Technology and FOI Compliance in Nigeria’’ as its theme, aimed to address barriers hindering proactiveness of FOIA in the country.
Recounting the barriers in accessing public records and information more freely, the Chief Executive Officer, PPDC, Mrs Lucy Abagi, in her remarks said “FOIA is more than just a law, but a tool that empowers every Nigerian to hold government accountable.
“When citizens are armed with information, they can hold their government to account and shape a better future for the nation.
“Today, we gather not only to discuss the intersection of innovation and governance, but also to reaffirm our collective commitment to transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of technology in strengthening democratic institutions.
“The Freedom of Information Act is more than a legal framework – it is a vital tool for empowering citizens, fostering trust in government, and ensuring that public resources are managed with integrity.
“It is very crucial to understand that the FOIA 2011 grants every person (both citizens and non-citizens) the legal right to access information and records held by government institutions, public bodies, and private companies, utilising public funds through proactive and reactive disclosure.
“As Nigeria continues to embrace digital transformation, the role of technology in advancing FOIA compliance cannot be overstated.
“From digital record-keeping to open data platforms, technology offers us the means to make information more accessible, timely, and reliable,” she added.
Similarly, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, said that the
technology, if used positively, could be a key enabler of FOIA compliance.
Represented by Mrs Gladys Odegbaro, Director, Solicitors Department of the ministry, Jedy-Agba noted that the use of technology could create efficiency and speed through the use of online portals.
“It can be used to automate the routing of FOl requests, make proactive disclosure easier, reduce physical barriers, improve record management, enhance public awareness and improve engagement through the use of social media.
“It is quite important to note that technology also possess certain barriers like digital divide, inadequate technology infrastructure, resistance to change and culture of secrecy, cyber security and data privacy concerns. However, these challenges are not insurmountable.
“As the ministry with the oversight responsibility of ensuring compliance with the Act, we encourage all public institutions to prioritise funding, secure online portals, build capacity of desk officers, and also collaborate with civil society organisations for better FOIA.
“Let us embrace technology as the vehicle to build a public service where information is not a guarded secret,” she added.
On his part, Mr Garuba Godwin, Head, Freedom of Information Unit in the ministry, said many public institutions were complying with the FOIA including the states.
“Currently, the public sectors are getting to understand that the citizens are demanding to know what governments are doing, and the best way they can do that is through FOI.
“And if any public institutions refuse to give access, they go to court to challenge it. We see so many court cases on FOIA,” Godwin said.
NAN also reports that PPDC is a non-governmental organisation that focuses on strengthening governance systems, advancing public finance accountability and advocating for civil reforms among others. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
