Freedom of Information Bill Signed Into Law
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law the Freedom of Information Bill on Saturday, May 28. The law promotes transparency and accountability in government, giving citizens access to public records and government agencies seven days to produce the information requested. The law also makes it a crime to destroy public records. Nigeria’s National Assembly passed the bill on May 24 and the Senate on May 25. Former President Olusegun Obasajnjo did not sign the bill in 2007, legitimizing fears that the bill would fail to be implemented once again.
Information access to the average citizen has increased over the last decade, with citizens increasingly turning to the internet. In February 2010, a Federal High Court judge ruled that the Nigerian Press Council, a government organization restricting journalists and press activities, was unconstitutional. Although the constitution guarantees freedom of expression and press, the state has used illegal measures to suppress political criticism. Six gunmen assassinated journalist Bavo Ohu, an assistant news editor at the Guardian in 2009, after investigating a fraud scandal in the Customs Department. A number of journalists have also been threatened—including Ohu’s colleague, Saxone Akhaine, Steve Uzoechi with National Daily newspaper, and radio correspondent Wale Oluokun—and security agencies have used arbitrary detention to shut down media outlets to prevent press coverage.
Freedom House commends the Nigerian government for passing such vital legislation to the well-being and access of average citizens and journalists. Freedom House applauds Media Rights Agenda for its unwavering efforts to secure press freedom and access to information in Nigeria.
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