The International Press Centre (IPC), in collaboration with PLAC and YIAGA Africa, kicked off a two-day stakeholders’ technical session yesterday in Abuja to review proposed amendments to Nigeria’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
The event, part of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase II (EU-SDGN II) programme, aims to enhance reporting and compliance mechanisms under the 2011 FOI Act.
The FOI Act, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic framework, has faced challenges in implementation and enforcement.
Recent proposals by the National Assembly to amend the law have sparked concerns about its effectiveness in ensuring transparency and accountability.
The technical session brings together approximately 25 key stakeholders from media, legal, civil society, and governance sectors to critically assess the amendment bills and develop a comprehensive Position Paper.
The Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, emphasised the importance of the session in safeguarding democratic gains.
“This platform is crucial for building consensus and ensuring that amendments to the FOI Act strengthen, rather than undermine, the right to information and media freedom,” he said.
The event will also outline actionable advocacy steps, including presenting recommendations to bill sponsors and relevant National Assembly committees.
Participants, including representatives from the FOI Unit, Federal Ministry of Justice, and EU-SDGN II partners, will collaborate to address enforcement gaps and propose measures to hold government institutions accountable.
The session, running through July 29, is designed to foster dialogue and chart a path for effective compliance with the FOI Act.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to significantly influence the future of transparency and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
