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To mark the 14th anniversary of Nigeria’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, with support from the European Union, will play host to a high-level Media and Civil Society Roundtable on Friday, 30th May, 2025, in Abuja.
The event, part of the EU’s Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase II (EU-SDGN II), aims to promote the strategic use of the FOI Act to deepen electoral transparency and accountability in governance.
Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and ex-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, will chair the session, bringing his experience in governance and civic engagement to the dialogue.
Other key participants include:
Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) – Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
Amb. Gautier Mignot – EU Ambassador to Nigeria & ECOWAS
Honourable Minister of Information
Chairmen of the Media and Information Committees from the National Assembly
Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), will deliver the keynote titled: “14 Years of FOI Act: Addressing the Challenges of Compliance and Usage.”
A plenary session will follow, featuring contributions from the FOI Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice, civil society groups, media organisations, and EU-SDGN II implementing partners—around 40 participants in total.
Mr. Lanre Arogundade, IPC Executive Director, highlighted the FOI Act’s potential as a vital tool for transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, especially in elections. He acknowledged, however, that 14 years after its enactment on May 28, 2011, challenges persist, including non-compliance by public institutions.
“Our focus is on strengthening institutional compliance and empowering the media for professional and accountable reporting,” he said.
“The FOI Act remains relevant only if it is actively used by media and civil society to promote openness and credible governance.”
The EU-SDGN II programme reflects the EU’s broader commitment to fostering a participatory and inclusive democracy in Nigeria, supporting institutions like INEC, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, political parties, civil society, and the media.
