FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2011 REVISED EDITION 2013

An Act grants citizens the right to access information held by public institutions, subject to exemptions and a seven-day response deadline. It targets all Nigerians, journalists, and government bodies to promote transparency in governance.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's principal freedom of information legislation granting citizens the right to access any information in the custody of public institutions, subject to defined exemptions, with a 7-day response deadline.

Who Does It Target?

All Nigerians seeking government information Journalists and civil society organisations All federal government institutions (and state institutions in states that have adopted it) Courts adjudicating FOI disputes

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Promote transparency and accountability in government by granting citizens the enforceable right to access public records, reducing government secrecy.

Key Features

Access Right: Every person has the right to access any information in the custody of a public institution. Seven-Day Deadline: Public institutions must respond to requests within 7 days. Exemptions: Limited exemptions for national security, privacy, commercial confidentiality, and ongoing investigations. Court Enforcement: Citizens may sue in the Federal High Court where access is wrongfully refused.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All federal institutions; states that adopt equivalent legislation Beneficiaries: Citizens; journalists; transparency; accountability Funding: Federal Government

How to Access

Make written requests to the institution's information officer Requests need not state a reason If refused, file an internal appeal then court action if still denied Application method: Direct requests to the information officer of the relevant institution.

Important Terms

The Act applies automatically to federal institutions; states must pass their own laws FOI requests are free in Nigeria — institutions cannot charge for access to information Wilfully withholding information from a requester is an offence

Impact & Metrics

Nigeria's FOI Act is one of Africa's stronger right-to-information laws; it has been used to obtain budget data, contracts, and health facility information.

Official Resources

Website: https://www.agf.gov.ng Contact: Office of the Attorney General of the Federation

Legal Framework

The Freedom of Information Act 2011 (Revised Edition 2013) is the primary access to information legislation in Nigeria. It derives constitutional authority from Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (right to freedom of information). The Act operates alongside the Official Secrets Act, the Data Protection Act 2023, and the Public Officers Protection Act. Nigeria's obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa provide the international framework.