AFRI-CIRD Commends S’Court Ruling Mandating FoI Act Compliance Across 3 Tiers of Gov’t
The African Centre for Innovative Research and Development (AFRI-CIRD) has commended the recent landmark judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria which affirmed that the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act of 2011 applies not only to federal institutions but also extends to state and local governments.
Describing the ruling as a “profound victory for democracy, transparency, and accountability,” AFRI-CIRD stated that the judgment sets a clear legal precedent, nullifying long-standing ambiguities that allowed sub-national governments to evade public scrutiny.
“This is a Nobel judgment with far-reaching implications,” AFRI-CIRD said in a statement signed by its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Bello. The organization emphasized that the Supreme Court’s decision will enhance openness, bolster accountability, deepen democratic participation, and promote good governance across all levels of government in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the ruling mandates sub-national entities to comply with FoI requests, thereby compelling state and local authorities to proactively disclose information and respond to public demands for official records. AFRI-CIRD believes this will empower citizens, journalists, and civil society organizations to demand greater transparency and hold public officials accountable.
“Access to information is a cornerstone of a vibrant democracy,” the organization noted. “When citizens are well-informed, they can actively participate in governance processes, contribute meaningfully to policy debates, and make informed decisions during elections.”
AFRI-CIRD called on state and local governments to immediately implement the Supreme Court’s judgment by setting up mechanisms for handling FoI requests and embedding a culture of transparency in their governance practices. It also urged civil society groups, the media, and citizens to take full advantage of the FoI Act to promote openness and accountability in governance.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the FoI Act across the country, thereby contributing to a more democratic and responsive governance system in Nigeria.
