NOA Evaluates Application of Freedom of Information Act & Its Impact on National Development
In furtherance of its determination towards achieving transparency and openness in governance, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) Lagos Directorate on Tuesday the 10th of March, 2020 held a Stakeholder’s Engagement Forum to evaluate the application of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its impact on National Development at the Marriage Registry Hall of Ikeja Local Government Council Secretariat in Lagos.
Giving his opening remarks, the Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Lagos Directorate, Mr. Waheed Ishola noted that the FOI Act among other things is to afford members of the public, irrespective of age, sex, tribe or creed, access to information or records held by all public institutions. With reference to Section 2 of the Act which mandated public institutions to set up FOI Desk; train and designate an officer to receive applications or requests and facilitate the effective implementation of such requests under the act. The “Oath of Secrecy” in the Civil Service which makes it a criminal offence to disclose such information had been removed. NOA he further observed, as a primary promoter of the Act, had been able to translate it into 23 Nigerian languages for ease of access, socio-cultural inclusion and participation in governance. The Director urged participants to the forum to share their experiences on the application of the FOI Act. Do a critical appraisal of the effectiveness of the operations of the FOIA in their respective MDAs/Organisations and come up with useful suggestions for government to achieve a more open and transparent system in governance.
In his contribution, the State Commissioner, ICPC Lagos, Mr. Shintema Binga observed that with the FOIA and a robust website there has been great improvement on information flow. Similarly, following the chain of command or line of information, the commission had never experienced any challenges. He commended NOA for been apt with the programme as it will enable all Federal Agencies to share useful experiences.
On his part, the representative of EFCC Lagos Zonal Office, Mr. Ayo Oyewole, used the occasion to emphasize the impact of FOIA on national development through a discuss to ensure citizens participation in governance. He talked about the whistleblower policy which is another avenue to give the FOIA a boost. He implored participants to key into the whistleblower policy and explore the avenue too. He however, cautioned those present to be discreet with the person(s) they give information and the information they pass out.
Speaking on behalf of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the representative of BUDGIT, Mr. Gabriel Okeowo noted that majority of Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) had complied with the FOIA and are equally operating a robust functional website. He commended the prompt attention to numerous requests and questions from the CSOs and noted with regret, that the same has not been domesticated in the states across the country. The more reason, the CSOs would want more light be beamed down on the state governments for the implementation of the FOIA, so that adequate check of accountability, transparency and good governance be elected political office holders could be monitored for the good of the people.
Other speakers at the event were: The Representative of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Deputy General Manager, Legal Services, Mrs. Bukola Teriba; Representative of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Ngosi Okey-Igbokwe; Assistant Controller of Immigration (ACI) Olugbenga O. Ayegbusi; Representative of the Nigerian Police, Mr, Joe Egwuonwu; Representative of Federal Road Safety Corps, Route Commander, Ms. Olabisi Sonusi; Representative of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Convener, Women for Equity and Fairness Organisation of Nigeria (WEFON), Ada Agina-Ude amongst others.
The event was well attended by a cross sections of the Nigerian Customs; Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); the Nigerian Police; National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority; Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS); Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC); Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC); Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC); Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); BUDGIT, Justice Development Peace Commission (JDPC); International Press Center and the Media amongst others.
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