Anambra SG Blames Capacity Gap, Inadequate Digital Tools for Poor FOI Act Implementation

By Praise Chinecherem

Solicitor General of Anambra state, Bar Ngozi Iwuno has identified culture of secrecy in public service and capacity gaps as major challenges hindering full implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, especially at the sub-national level.

She also listed judicial enforcement and lack of adequate digital infrastructure for proper record-keeping and information dissemination in many Ministries, Department and Agencies as impediments to FOIA implementation.

Iwuno spoke in Awka at the South-South Regional Roundtable on the FOI Act in Nigeria, Themed: “14 Years of FOI Implementation at the Sub-National Levels in Nigeria: Strengthening Access, Accountability, and Citizen Engagement”

She commended stakeholders for their dedication to transparency and good governance, urging them to keep the flame of accountability burning.

She however urged public servants not to view FOIA as an enemy, but a shield that not only protects them from the erosion of trust, but forces them to do their jobs better as well as offer them opportunity to serve with integrity.

“To our partners in civil society and the media: keep asking the tough questions. Keep demanding answers. You are the conscience of our democracy.

“And to the citizens of Nigeria: know that your voice matters. Your right to know is protected by law. Use it. Demand it. Own it,” she added.

Describing FOI as work in progress in the State, Iwuno highlighted some efforts by her ministry towards its full implementation which she described as a journey, not a destination.

Her we words, “The Ministry of Justice has spearheaded several initiatives aimed at deepening the culture of transparency in government institutions.

“We have encouraged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to designate FOI Desk Officers. These individuals are tasked with receiving and processing information requests, thereby ensuring that citizens do not face institutional bottlenecks.

“We have hosted and participated in workshops that train civil servants and legal officers on the scope and obligations of the FOI Act.

“We recognize that a law is only as strong as the people who implement it, and capacity-building has been central to our approach.

“In partnership with civil society organizations, we have also taken steps to increase public awareness of the FOI Act because the law means little if people don’t know it exists or how to use it.

“I have personally seen rural market women asking questions at town hall meetings about how to access public information. That, to me, is a sign that something is working.”

While proffering solutions towards the FOI Act implementation, Solicitor General called for institutionalization of FOI compliance across all levels of government.

“This means embedding FOI obligations in the operational frameworks of MDAs, setting performance benchmarks, and holding leadership accountable for meeting them.

She also underscored the importance of public education, technology as well as need to leverage digital platforms to facilitate proactive disclosure.

“Every ministry should have a section on its website dedicated to frequently requested public information—budgets, procurement data, staffing, and so on. The fewer the requests, the more efficiently the system runs.

“We need to make the FOI Act part of civic education curricula. Our citizens must understand not only their rights but also how to assert them. Imagine if secondary school students understood how to write an FOI request. That’s how we build a future of informed citizens.

“Civil society organizations must continue to act as watchdogs, advocates, and educators. Government and civil society are not adversaries; we are partners in democratic development.

“The courts must prioritize FOI cases and issue sanctions for wrongful denials. When legal remedies are swift and decisive, they serve as a deterrent to non-compliance.”

Earlier, Executive Director, Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), Faith Nwadishi lamented difficulty in obtaining clear, timely and complete information from most government agencies, especially at sub-national level and Local Government Areas despite efforts by the civil society organizations.

Describing FOI Act as one of the strongest tools in fighting corruption as well as weapon against secrecy and impunity, challenged citizens to lead the transparency struggle as the strongest force that sustains nation’s economy and collective existence.

“This round table is part of a broader effort under the Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative (SAGNI)—a 12-month project we are implementing with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funding from the European Union through International IDEA.

“The project focused on selected federal institutions, departments in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Anambra and Edo States is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.

“We need the media to continue informing citizens. We need civil society to train and educate citizens on how to use the FOI Act. We need government officials and institutions to not just comply—but champion transparency.

“And above all, we need citizens to use this right. Access to information is not just a legal provision—it is the heartbeat of democracy. If people don’t know, they cannot act. If they cannot act, they cannot hold power to account.

“And if power is not accountable, democracy suffers. Let us not allow 14 more years to pass before we take this law seriously. Together, let’s ensure the FOI Act works—for all Nigerians as we urge all the states in the South-East region to implement the FoI Act.”