The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has convened a capacity-building workshop for journalists and civil society representatives on the effective use of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011.
The training, held in Abuja, forms part of MRA’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in governance through improved knowledge and application of the FOI law.
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In his opening remarks, MRA’s Executive Director, Mr Edetaen Ojo, said the workshop was organised to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure the vital flow of information in Nigeria.
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He noted that effective use of the FOI Act remains essential for strengthening democracy and empowering citizens to demand openness from public institutions.
During his presentation titled “What is Freedom of Information and Why Is It Important?”, Mr Ojo explained that 29 African countries have so far passed or adopted laws guaranteeing public access to information.
He stressed that under Nigeria’s FOI Act, “every person”whether a natural person (an individual) or a legal person (such as a company or organisation) has the right to request and obtain information from public institutions.
He emphasised that the Act grants access to a wide range of records, documents, and information held by government bodies, making it a crucial instrument for investigative journalism, anticorruption work, and public oversight.
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Delivering an overview of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, MRA’s Programme Officer, Ayomide Eweje, described the FOI law as a powerful tool for combating corruption.
According to her, the Act enhances democratic accountability and good governance by enabling citizens to scrutinise the actions and decisions of public officials.
Eweje added that the FOI Act empowers individuals and organisations to seek information from any public institution and, in some cases, private entities performing public functions making it possible to expose wrongdoing and improve transparency in government operations.
Speaking on “Making Requests for Information Under the FOI Act”, MRA’s Director of Programmes, Ayode Longe, urged participants to ensure that their FOI applications contain adequate detail to help institutions identify the exact documents or records they seek.
He advised that requests should be simple, clear, and precise, noting that vague applications often lead to delays or denials.
According to him, the more specific the description of the information being requested, the easier it becomes for institutions to locate it—and the harder it is for them to evade compliance.
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Longe also encouraged applicants to include any additional information that may assist in locating the requested documents, such as dates, titles, names of departments, or specific subject matter.
The workshop is part of MRA’s broader initiative to strengthen the capacity of journalists and civil society actors to use the FOI Act as a tool for investigative reporting, monitoring government activities, and advocating for open government in Nigeria.