The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the International Press Centre (IPC) have highlighted the significance of transparency and access to credible information in public institutions. This was emphasized during the commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) 2026 in Lagos, with the theme “Freedom of Information in the Age of Disinformation: Why Transparency Matters More Than Ever”. The event brought together media professionals, lawyers, and civil liberties organizations to discuss the importance of transparency.
The Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Mr. Lanre Arogundade, stressed that public institutions have a responsibility to make credible information available clearly and respond appropriately to legitimate requests. He emphasized the need for public institutions to prioritize transparency and access to information. The MRA and IPC also called for stronger commitment from governments at all levels to implement the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act effectively.
The role of lawyers in implementing the FOI Act was also discussed at the event. Mr. Alimi Adamu, Principal Partner at Adamu and Adamu & Co. (Legal Practitioners), stated that lawyers play a crucial role in advising the public on their right of access to information, preparing information requests, and enforcing judgments against public institutions. He also highlighted the importance of lawyers in designing internal frameworks for record keeping and compiling mandatory annual FOI compliance reports.
The media also has a significant role to play in the effective implementation of the FOI Act. Ms. Anikeade Funke-Treasure, Executive Director of Illuminate Nigeria Development Network, delivered a paper on the role of the media in this regard. She emphasized the importance of accuracy in reporting and the need for media training curricula to be overhauled to include teaching trainees how to draft FOI requests.
Despite the existence of the FOI Act for over 15 years, compliance by public institutions across all levels of government remains poor. Media professionals, lawyers, and civil liberties organizations observed that there is a need for stronger commitment from governments to implement the Act effectively. The recommendation at the forum was that governments at all levels should prioritize the implementation of the FOI Act.
The event also highlighted the consequences of poor reporting and the importance of fact-checking. Ms. Funke-Treasure noted that accuracy is cheaper than litigation and that bad reporting, retractions, and defamation suits can bankrupt newsrooms. The need for media professionals to be trained on how to draft FOI requests and to prioritize fact-checking was emphasized.
The MRA and IPC's call for transparency and access to information is a timely reminder of the importance of accountability in public institutions. The implementation of the FOI Act is crucial for promoting transparency and access to information in Nigeria. Key stakeholders must work together to ensure that public institutions prioritize transparency and accountability.
Key points
- The Media Rights Agenda and International Press Centre are pushing for stronger commitment from governments to implement the Freedom of Information Act effectively.
- Public institutions have a responsibility to make credible information available clearly and respond appropriately to legitimate requests.
- Lawyers play a crucial role in advising the public on their right of access to information and enforcing judgments against public institutions.
