Freedom of Information Unit
The Freedom of Information Unit (FOIU) plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability within the Agency. Freedom of Information can be said to be the right of citizens of a country to access or request information which is in the custody or possession of any public official, Agency, or institution, whether or not such information is contained in written form.
To facilitate the unimpeded exercise of this right, the Federal Government of Nigeria enacted the Freedom of Information Act (the Act) on May 28, 2011. This action of the government was to further demonstrate to the world the seriousness of the Government of Nigeria to fight endemic corruption. Under Section 1 of the Act, all Government or Public Institutions are required, subject to certain exceptions, to disclose information under request by any person.
In compliance, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), established the Freedom of Information Unit (FOIU) under the office of the Director General to actualize the objectives of the Act.
To facilitate the unimpeded exercise of this right, the Federal Government of Nigeria enacted the Freedom of Information Act (the Act) on May 28, 2011. This action of the government was to further demonstrate to the world the seriousness of the Government of Nigeria to fight endemic corruption. Under Section 1 of the Act, all Public Institutions are required, subject to certain exceptions, to disclose information requested by any person.
In compliance, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), established the Freedom of Information Unit (FOIU) under the office of the Director General to actualize the objectives of the Act.
Structure
- Head FOIU
- FOIU Regulatory/Compliance Desk Officer
Objectives
- The objectives is to ensure that the Agency complies strictly with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 2011 and the Guidelines prescribed by the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation(AGF) through, proactive dissemination of information on the Agency’s activities using easily accessible media, ensure prompt response to request for information within the purview of the FOIA, 2011 and emerge as FOIA Brand Champion.
Functions
FOIU is to contributes to fostering a culture of openness, accountability, and trust within the agency and the broader community it serves. The following are the key functions of FOIU:
- Develop policies and procedures related to freedom of information (FOI) requests and disclosures;
- Create guidelines outlining the process for submitting FOI requests, criteria for information disclosure, and timelines for responses;
- Receive Acknowledge, Review, and respond to FOI requests from the public or other stakeholders then categorize them based on the requested information, assign appropriate staff members to handle each request, and ensure timely responses within the legal framework.
- Implement electronic document management systems to organize and archive records, ensuring easy access and retrieval of information for FOI requests and internal use;
- Collaboration with relevant Departments and Units in discharging of our duties effectively and efficiently.
- Advise agency staff on the application of exemptions to certain types of information, such as personal data, national security, or commercially sensitive material, ensuring compliance with FOI legislation;
- Conduct outreach activities to raise awareness about the FOI process and promote transparency;
- Advise agency staff on the application of exemptions to certain types of information, such as personal data, national security, or commercially sensitive material, ensuring compliance with FOI legislation;
- Conduct outreach activities (workshops, seminars, or online campaigns) to raise awareness about the FOI process and promote transparency;
- Monitor and evaluate the agency's compliance with FOI requirements and performance in handling requests;
- Maintain statistics on the number of FOI requests received, processed, and responded to within specified timeframes, and produce regular reports for management and Office of Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation;
- Develop training programs to build the capacity of the Agency staff, media, and stakeholders about their rights to access information under FOI laws topics such as information governance, data protection, and customer service skills to empower staff to effectively manage and respond to FOI requests;
- Engage with external stakeholders, including the public, media, oversight bodies and advocacy groups, to address concerns and promote transparency;
- Participate in meetings or forums with civil society organizations, journalists, and other stakeholders to discuss FOI-related issues, gather feedback on the FOI process, and identify areas for improvement.