Freedom of Information Act
2011
Laws of the Federation of Nigeria
An Act to make public records and information more freely available, provide for public access to public records and
information, protect public records and information to the extent consistent with the public interest and the protection of
personal privacy, protect serving public officers from adverse consequences of disclosing certain kinds of official
information without authorization and establish procedures for the achievement of those purposes and; for related matters.
28th day of May 2011
Enacted by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
1.
2.
(1)
Notwithstanding anything contained in any other Act, law or regulation, the right of any person to access or
request information, whether or not contained in any written form, which is in the custody or possession of any
public official, agency or institution howsoever described, is established.
(2)
An applicant under this Act needs not demonstrate any specific interest in the information being applied for.
(3)
Any person entitled to the right to information under this Act, shall have the right to institute proceedings in
the Court to compel any public institution to comply with the provisions of this Act.
(1)
A public institution shall ensure that it records and keeps information about all its activities, operations and
businesses.
(2)
A public institution shall ensure the proper organization and maintenance of all information in its custody in a
manner that facilitates public access to such information.
(3)
A public institution shall cause to be published in accordance with subsection (4) of this Section, the
following information (a)
a description of the organization and responsibilities of the institution including details of the
programmes and functions of each division, branch and department of the institution;
(b)
a list of all -
(c)
(i)
Classes of records under the control of the institution in sufficient detail to facilitate the exercise
of the right to information under this Act, and
(ii)
Manuals used by employees of the institution in administering or carrying out any of the
programmes or activities of the institution;
a description of documents containing final opinions including concurring and dissenting opinions as
well as orders made in the adjudication of cases;
(i)
substantive rules of the institution
(ii)
statements and interpretations of policy which have been adopted by the institution,
(iii)
final planning policies, recommendations, and decisions;
(iv)
factual reports, inspection reports, and studies whether prepared by or for the institution;
(v)
information relating to the receipt or expenditure of public or other funds of the institution;