IPC, Stakeholders Renew Calls for Robust Enforcement of FOI Act

Oru Leonard

Stakeholders, including former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and the House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, have renewed calls for more robust enforcement of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. They emphasized the Act’s critical role in promoting transparency, rebuilding public trust, and curbing misinformation in governance.

“Transparency is not optional. It is constitutional. Accountability is not a political favour. It is a democratic obligation.” – Akin Rotimi said.

Dr. Fayemi emphasized the need for sustained reforms and government openness beyond token gestures.

“We have information now but what use do we put that information to as civil society actors?” – Dr. Kayode Fayemi noted.

The International Press Center (IPC), organised an event supported by the European Union (EU), with stakeholders marked 14 years since the enactment of the FOI Act, highlighting its importance in promoting electoral transparency and accountability.

The Attorney General’s delay in submitting annual compliance reports and lack of critical information were cited as major concerns.

The need for investment in digital fact-checking infrastructure and publicly accessible government data was stressed to promote credible information ecosystems.

Citizens, journalists, and civil society groups were encouraged to utilize the FOI Act to access critical information and promote transparency and accountability.