Collaboration: The Way Forward For FoIA

With the establishment of the importance of the Freedom of Information Act(FoIA) in advancing public institution transparency and accountability in Nigeria, the last day of the two-day South-West Regional Sensitization Workshop for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), on the FoIA kick-started with extensive deliberation on the  relationship that should exist between CSOs and public institutions.

A strategic approach of collaborative engagement between public officials, institutions and CSOs was proffered as it was deemed the best approach for the advancement of the country’s nascent democracy. This, experts say will thrive on proactive disclosure of information by public institutions, even before the demands are made by interested citizens.

According to International Human Right Expert, Olusola Akinbode, “CSOs cannot single-handedly achieve the objectives of the Act, except with the collaborative involvement of all relevant stakeholders, ranging from the already defined public institutions, the media, the citizenry et al”.  Olusola, stressed the need to gainfully engage community gate keepers, as they play a non-negotiable role in societal development.

Group Picture of Workshop Participants

Drawing implementation insight from Mexico’s Freedom of Information Law success story, the workshop had a live videoconference with FUNDAR’s Janet Oropeza, who stated that Mexico has one of the most robust and progressive access to information statues internationally, although there exist the question whether legislative strength guarantees widespread compliance of the law. Janet noted that with consistent, strategic and altruistic engagement with state actors, the Freedom of Information Act, will be become effective in Nigeria.

The workshop also mirrored on the Indian example which has a huge number of the citizen population being aware of the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, as against the provisions of the country’s constitution.

An action plan and a general communiqué of expected actions towards the successful implementation of the Freedom of Information Act in the South-West and Nigeria as whole was drafted and adopted by all participants of the workshop.

                              Watch out for the copy of the action plan and communiqué.

                                        Remember…Information is Power! Think FoIA!