Abuja: The House Committee on Freedom of Information (FOI) has called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as well as corporate organisations to utilize the FOI Act to further the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and promote good governance. This call to action was articulated in a statement released in Abuja by the committee’s clerk, Mrs. Felicia Idowu.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Idowu emphasized the importance of engaging public institutions to fulfill the objectives of the FOI Act, which aims to enhance the lives of Nigerians by fostering inclusivity, open governance, transparency, and accountability. She announced that the Committee on FOI is organizing a National Strategic Stakeholders Workshop scheduled for June 24 and June 25. The workshop will focus on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies at all levels of government, as well as other public institutions and corporations.

The event is expected to draw participation from various authorities, including executive, legislative, and judicial agencies, ministries, and extra-ministerial departments of the government. It will also involve corporations established by law, companies with significant government interest, and private companies that use public funds or provide public services.

Idowu highlighted that TIMDAVE Global Limited will facilitate the workshop to promote the effective implementation of the FOI law in Nigeria. The programme will also engage Civil Society Organisations and corporate entities responsible for managing government resources and information.

The FOI Act, enacted on May 28, 2011, was designed to improve access to information. However, 14 years post-enactment, its implementation by government bodies and corporate organisations remains insufficient.