Freedom of Information Act 2011: An Appraisal

Abstract

Access to information and records is a critical and an integral part of freedom of information as a right. Debate as to whether is a fundamental right or not continued to trial its grant or refusal in jurisdiction across the globe. However, recent legislation across the globe sought to establish the pivotal place of freedom to information in guaranteeing other fundamental rights to which citizens are endowed. Utilising the doctrinal approach, this article is an appraisal of the Nigeria Freedom of Information Act with the aim of ascertaining its contribution to the attainment of fundamental rights in Nigeria and the challenges in its implementation. The paper finds that whereas much have been achieved by the legislative intervention, much is still desired in bringing the FOIA in line with best practices on freedom to information across the globe.