House committee tasks MDAs, others on FOI
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
The House Committee on Freedom of Information (FOI) has urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and corporate organisations to leverage the FOI Act to advance the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and good governance.
This is contained in a statement signed on Thursday in Abuja by the clerk of the committee, Mrs Felicia Idowu.
She said it was important to engage public institutions on their roles in achieving the objectives behind the FOI Act.
According to her, the law aims at improving the lives of Nigerians by ensuring inclusivity, open government, transparency and accountability.
“It is on this note that the Committee on FOI plans to hold a National strategic stakeholders workshop on June 24 and June 25.
“It is targeted at Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal, States and Local Governments; other public institutions and corporations.
“It will attract authorities whether executive, legislative or judicial agencies, ministries, and extra-ministerial departments of the government.
“It will also involve all corporations established by law and all companies in which government has a controlling interest, and private companies utilizing public funds, providing public services or performing public functions,” she said.
Idowu said that the event would be facilitated by TIMDAVE Global limited to promote, enhance and advance the implementation of the FOI law in Nigeria.
She said the programme would also involve Civil Society Organisations as well as all corporate organisations that utilise government resources, as custodians of information.
The FOI Act was enacted on May 28, 2011.
However, 14 years after establishment its implementation by government institutions and corporate organisations has remained poor. (NAN)
Edited by Uche Anunne
