Freedom Of Information Request In Nigeria

The Freedom of Information Act 2011 gives everyone the right to request information.

We are the primary regulator and source of independent advice to the community and Nigerian government about how the public sector collects, uses and shares information.

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Remi has been trying to get the ministry of works’ road expenses record for a while now.

Amaka this time around, “will not disappoint”, she is aware of an accountability tool that can help Remi. The Freedom of Information Act.

FOI Request Guide

Preview the 10-step guide that can help you request information and download your e-copy.

How can I make a request

do it in just 3 simple steps

Orally

make an oral request to an authorized official

Writing

write to an authorized government or public institution

Third Party

may make that application through a third party

What Information Can Be Requested?​

The Freedom of Information Act provides that individuals have a right to request any recorded information held by a public authority. Recorded information isn’t restricted to information that is in information or records that do not exist in print but can by regulation be produced from a machine.

Who Can You Make A Request To?

You may request the information or record from any public official, agency or institution. This means any legislative, executive, judicial, administrative or advisory body of the government, including boards, bureau, committees or commissions of the State, and any subsidiary body of those bodies.

What Happens After A Request Is Made?

The Law provides that the public institution must make the information available within 7 days of receiving the request. Failure to give access to the information requested for, within the timelines provided by the Act is deemed as a refusal of access.

When can my application be rejected?

A refusal can only be valid in any of a number of instances. There are quite a number of them, below are the grounds for which a request made under a Freedom of Information Act can be denied in Nigeria.

The Freedom of Information Act 2011 gives everyone the right to request information, whether or not contained in any written form, which is in the custody or possession of any public offi­cial, agency or institution how so ever described.

View the FOI Act 2011

Our mission

We provide a guide and source of independent advice to the community on the process through which you can request FOI from authorized government officials or public institution.

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Frequently asked questions

Is A Request Free Of Charge?

The only charges for a request are limited to standard charges for document duplication and Fees transcription where necessary.

What happens if my request is refused?

Any applicant, who has been denied access to information, or a part thereof, may apply to the Court for a review of the matter within 30 days after the public institution denies or is deemed to have denied the application. The applications to the court are heard summarily.

The grounds for which a request made under a Freedom of Information Act can be denied in Nigeria.
  • Where the disclosure of the information may be injurious to the conduct of International Affairs and the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
  • Disclosure that would interfere with pending or actual and reasonably contemplated law enforcement proceedings conducted by any law enforcement or correctional agency.
  • Disclosure that would interfere with pending administrative enforcement proceedings conducted by any public institution.
  • Disclosure that would deprive a person of a fair trial or an impartial hearing.
  • Disclosure that would unavoidably disclose the identity of a confidential source.