Nigeria to strengthen governance through information bill act

The Nigerian government has restated its commitment to strengthen good governance through the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed stated the government's position in a message to mark the 2016 World Press Freedom Day on Tuesday in Abuja, the nation's capital city.

The minister described the act, as a necessary instrument in the fight against corruption and promoting transparency in governance.

"We are indeed in a very interesting period, which calls for full support and use of the FOI Act and which recognizes the citizen's right to know, promote war against corruption and sustain economic development," he added.

He said government had taken a bold step further in not just guaranteeing freedom of expression but creating access to information.

Mohammed said, if well utilized, the FOI Act would offer citizens a sense of involvement, belonging and fulfillment.

"It will go a long way in entrenching transparency, which will in turn help curb corruption, promote accountability, good governance, rule of law and service delivery in public office," he said.

The minister observed that for democracy to be entrenched, the culture of transparency and accountability must permeate all the strata of government.

Mohammed commended the media for remaining resolute in the pursuit of liberty, social justice, equality and democracy.

He assured that the government would continue to create the enabling environment for the media to thrive. Endit