MRA faults poor FOI funding, warns of growing secrecy in governance
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has criticised the Federal Government over what it described as inadequate funding for the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in the 2026 budget, warning that the trend could entrench secrecy in governance. In a statement on Tuesday by its communications officer, Idowu Adewale, the organisation said its review […]
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has criticised the Federal Government over what it described as inadequate funding for the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in the 2026 budget, warning that the trend could entrench secrecy in governance.
In a statement on Tuesday by its communications officer, Idowu Adewale, the organisation said its review of the 2026 budget showed that over 99 per cent of federal public institutions made no provisions for FOI implementation.
MRA said only 13 ministries, departments and agencies, less than one per cent, allocated funds for FOI-related activities. It noted that out of the total N68.3 trillion national budget, only N191.1 million was earmarked for FOI implementation.
MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, Ayode Longe, said the lack of funding undermines the effective enforcement of the law, which mandates public institutions to publish information, maintain records, train personnel, and respond to public requests.
He warned that the continued absence of budgetary provisions has led to poor record-keeping, low awareness among officials, and delayed responses to information requests, thereby weakening citizens’ right to access information.
Describing the situation as a deliberate attempt to “institutionalise opacity,” Longe said the government’s failure to prioritise FOI compliance reflects a lack of commitment to transparency and accountability.
The group also faulted the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for failing to allocate funds for its oversight responsibilities under the Act.
MRA urged the National Assembly to reject budgets of agencies without FOI provisions and called for mandatory funding, including the creation of a dedicated FOI oversight fund to strengthen compliance.