The Freedom of Information (FOI) Desk Officers from various Federal public institutions are to embark on a two-day workshop aimed to discuss the establishment of an online Freedom of Information (FOI).
Penpushing reports that, a statement explained that the platform is to enable them share information, ideas and experiences on the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011, and scheduled to hold between February 1 and 2, 2022 in Abuja.
The statement added that, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), will deliver the keynote address at the workshop.
Penpushing further reports that, the workshop will have in attendance, the National Coordinator of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Nigeria, Dr Gloria Ahmed, who is also the Director of Special Duties at the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, as well as Mr. Gowon Ichibor, the Head of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The workshop, which will have representatives from over 60 public institutions, is being organized by the International Press Centre (IPC) in collaboration with Media Rights Agenda (MRA)) and the Freedom of Information(FOI) Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Penpushing also reports that, it is funded by the European Union (EU) under component 4b: Support to Media of the European Union(EU) Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Project.
The organisations, said the overall objective of the workshop is to improve compliance by public institutions with their duties and obligations under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act,
Penpushing reports that, the bodies explained that it is as well as to ensure more effective implementation of the Act through the creation of an interactive online platform for Freedom of Information(FOI) Desk Officers of public institutions to enable them share good practices and learn from each other’s experiences as they oversee implementation by their respective institutions.
The Executive Director of International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade stated that the creation of the creation of an online platform, in addition to facilitating shared learning, experience sharing and best practice application in the implementation of the Freedom of Information(FOI) Act, will also provide an opportunity for Freedom of Information(FOI) Desk Officers of public institutions to be updated with the latest developments on freedom of information, and facilitate collaborative resolution of challenges.
Penpushing further reports that, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda(MRA), Mr. Edetaen Ojo, who is also a member of the National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in Nigeria, said the initiative starting with the workshop will be followed by other activities
“We strongly believe that this initiative, which is starting with this workshop, and will be followed by other activities, will lead to significant improvements in the implementation of the FOI Act thus contributing to the fulfillment of Nigeria’s commitments in its OGP National Action Plan regarding improved compliance with the FOI Act”, he emphasized
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