GUIDELINES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2011
Guideline · Governance
Policy date: 2011-01-01
Guidelines outline how government institutions implement the Freedom of Information Act, covering request processing and exemptions. They target federal agencies, citizens, and journalists. This ensures effective access to public records for all Nigerians.
GUIDELINES ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2011
What Is This Policy?
Practical guidelines issued by the AGF for government institutions on how to implement the Freedom of Information Act 2011, including processing requests, exemptions, proactive disclosure, and appeals.
Who Does It Target?
All federal government institutions subject to the FOI Act Citizens and journalists making FOI requests Civil society FOI advocates Courts adjudicating FOI disputes
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure that government institutions implement the FOI Act consistently and effectively, enabling citizens to access public records and information held by government.
Key Features
Request Processing: Prescribes the step-by-step process for receiving, acknowledging, and responding to FOI requests within 7 days. Exemptions Guide: Explains the categories of information that may be exempt from disclosure. Proactive Disclosure: Encourages proactive publication of commonly requested information without waiting for requests. Appeals Process: Outlines the internal and external appeal options when access is refused.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All federal government institutions Beneficiaries: Citizens; journalists; civil society; transparency Funding: Federal Government
How to Access
Submit FOI requests to the designated information officer of each government institution Request must be in writing (can be email) stating the information sought Response must come within 7 days — sue if exceeded Application method: Submit requests to the relevant government institution's information officer.
Important Terms
Government institutions cannot refuse requests without citing a specific exemption Seven days is the maximum response period — no extensions without notification Failure to respond within 7 days is deemed a refusal and may be challenged in court
Impact & Metrics
FOI Act has opened up previously inaccessible government information; civil society uses it extensively for accountability work.
Official Resources
Website: https://www.agf.gov.ng Contact: Office of the Attorney General of the Federation
Legal Framework
The Guidelines on Implementation of the FOI Act are issued by the Attorney-General of the Federation under the Freedom of Information Act 2011, Section 29 (implementation guidelines). They operate alongside the Official Secrets Act, the Public Officers Protection Act, and the Data Protection Act 2023. They align with international best practices on FOI implementation from the Commonwealth Freedom of Information Principles and the Open Government Partnership framework.