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Nigerian Senate passes freedom of information bill: New measure aims to increase transparency and accountability in government

November 19, 2006

This week, the Nigerian Senate passed a bill that allows for public access to government records and protection for some civil servants who disclose sensitive information without authorization. It also provided penalties for government officials who destroy or otherwise interfere with the release of such information. This bill falls into the paradigm of freedom of information (FOI) legislation. Similar acts have been extolled as an important tool for maintaining government accountability and transparency throughout the world.

The IIJD applauds this law as it ought to make a significant contribution to the development and strengthening of political institutions in Nigeria.

What is particularly noteworthy in this case is that FOI laws in Africa are largely absent while corruption and non-democratic practices are nearly ubiquitous. According to www.freedominfo.org, the online network of freedom and information advocates, before the Nigerian law passed, only three states in Africa had FOI laws on record: South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. In the latter case, the Access to Information and Privacy Protection Act of 2002 was merely an empty promise of access to government documents and information. In fact, this legislation has been used by President Mugabe and myriad other means to suppress and control media outlets and opposition.

As for many countries, the news from Nigeria reflects an acknowledgement of the root causes of the country’s continuing poverty and underdevelopment: corruption, mismanagement, and the misappropriation of government spending. As is well known, Nigeria receives billions of dollars in revenue from oil exports. By all expectations, Nigeria has the resources to achieve development, deliver her citizens from poverty, and play a leading role in helping regional African states actualize their potential for growth. President Obasanjo has presided over many reforms and brought Nigeria back to civilian rule, but such efforts must continue within the country.

The IIJD believes that a strong judicial system insulated from the executive and democratic political institutions are the foundations needed to actualize the great potential for development in Africa; accountable and transparent governmental institutions are crucial factors for such development. FOI laws in Sub-Saharan Africa would make great progress to ensuring that the non-governmental organizations, media, and citizens of Africa can directly hold their governments accountable. Although there is currently pending FOI legislation in several African countries, much more work needs to be done to promote transparency of governmental operations. Indeed, Nobel Prize winner and development economist Joseph Stiglitz believes that FOI laws “can only be partially successful unless there is a real commitment to openness.” The IIJD applauds all efforts that are courageously aimed towards improving governmental accountability and encourages anyone who is interested to learn more about FOI laws at www.freedominfo.org.