Thesis Abstract

This study was carried out to assess freedom of information Act (FOIA), and the press in Nigeria. The study made use of qualitative research method. The researcher consulted secondary sources such as books, journals, and magazines for the collection of data. This study reviews the Nigeria Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and discusses the progress that has been made so far with the enactment of the law. Challenges that are confronting the implementation of the Act are highlighted while solutions are proffered to the overcome these challenges. The study further also looks at the practicability of the law in relation to the current Nigerian context in terms of the understandings and attitudes of citizens and public officials to government information, and the resources available for the effective implementation of the Act. The study concluded with some recommendations that the journalists should go beyond just being aware of the passage into law of the FoIA, but to be well acquainted with relevant provisions of the Act. It is when they do that, that they can make the most of the Act and also, government effort should be made to punish public office holders who attempt to frustrate the public’s effort to get information.

Thesis Overview