By Israel Adebiyi
The Edo State Government has restated its commitment to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act by ensuring that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as all government institutions, comply with the Act and simplify the request process to encourage citizen participation.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, who was represented by Barrister Festus Usiabafo, gave the assurance while delivering a keynote address at a one-day sensitization and advocacy program organized by the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA).
The event was held at the South-South Regional Roundtable on the FOI Act in Nigeria in Benin City, the Edo state capital.
The sensitization and advocacy program, themed “14 Years of FOI Implementation at the Sub-National Levels in Nigeria: Strengthening Access, Accountability, and Citizens’ Engagement,” attracted members of civil society organizations, the media, and other stakeholders.
While welcoming guests to the program, the Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy, Faith Nwadishi, noted that the conversation was not just symbolic but timely.
Nwadishi emphasized that challenges surrounding access to public information in Nigeria have reached a critical point.
Despite efforts by some CSOs, ministries, and agencies, she said it remains difficult to obtain clear, timely, and complete information from most government agencies, particularly at the sub-national and local government levels.
She further explained that the roundtable is part of a broader effort under the Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative, a 12-month project implemented by the Centre with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Program (RoLAC) and funding from the European Union through International IDEA.
The project focuses on selected federal institutions in the Federal Capital Territory as well as MDAs in Anambra and Edo states, with the aim of promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.