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The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, with the support of the European Union, will host a high-level Media and Civil Society Roundtable to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in Nigeria.
The event, scheduled for Friday, May 30, 2025, in Abuja, will bring together key stakeholders from the media and civil society. Supported by the European Union under its flagship Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase II (EU-SDGN II) programme, the roundtable will focus on enhancing the strategic use of the FOI Act to promote electoral transparency and ensure accountability in governance.
Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, will chair the event and share insights from his governance and civic engagement experience.
Distinguished guests expected at the roundtable include Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Ambassador Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria & ECOWAS; the Honourable Minister of Information; and the Chairmen of the Media and Information Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives.
The keynote address titled “14 Years of FOI Act: Addressing the Challenges of Compliance and Usage” will be delivered by Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA). A plenary session will follow, featuring contributions from the FOI Unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice and around 40 participants, including representatives of media organisations, civil society groups, and EU-SDGN II implementing partners.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), said: “At the domestic level in Nigeria, the FOI Act is a powerful instrument for promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance, including in electoral processes. However, in the 14 years since its enactment into law on May 28, 2011, the FOI Act has faced persistent implementation challenges and widespread non-compliance by public institutions.
Its continued relevance also depends on how effectively the media, civil society, and other stakeholders utilise it to advance openness and accountability in public life. Against this background, our efforts are focused on strengthening institutional compliance and empowering the media to uphold professional, inclusive, and accountable reporting. This includes driving improved compliance with the FOI Act at both federal and state levels, leveraging the Act to foster greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral processes, ultimately leading to more credible electoral outcomes.”
Mr. Arogundade added that the gathering aims to enhance collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media, to ensure the FOI Act’s promise results in tangible progress in transparency, good governance, and increased citizen engagement across Nigeria.
The EU-SDGN II programme embodies the European Union’s commitment to nurturing a pluralistic, inclusive, and participatory democracy in Nigeria. It comprises six interlinked components: support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); the National Assembly; the Judiciary; political parties; civil society; and the media.
By strengthening democratic institutions through coordinated efforts, the programme aims to create a functioning democracy where every voice is heard.
