Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing Access to Information Laws
Posted: 9 September, 2024 Filed under: Chioma Henrietta Okoli | Tags: Access to Information Laws, accountability, Bureaucratic resistance, Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing Access to Information, civic engagement, cultural challenges, Culture of secrecy, democratic principles, FOI, freedom of information, fundamental right, good governance, Institutional Challenges, Lack of resources, open governance, Reluctance to share information, right to information, RTI, sensitive information, transparency Leave a comment
Author: Chioma Henrietta Okoli
Senior Legal Officer, National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria
Introduction:
Access to information, often known as Freedom of Information (FOI) or Right to Information (RTI) is a fundamental right that enables individuals to seek, receive, and impart information freely.[1] It is a fundamental cornerstone of transparent governance, democratic principles, and citizen empowerment. It enables individuals to participate in the decision-making processes of their governments, fosters accountability, and strengthens the foundations of democratic societies.[2] To this end, countries worldwide have enacted access to information laws with the aim of ensuring public access to government and privately held information.[3] However, despite the noble intentions of these laws, their effective implementation remains a multifaceted challenge, impeding the realisation of a truly open and accountable society.
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