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Freedom of Information and Press Freedom in Nigeria: A Study of Rivers and Bayelsa States, 2015-2023

Grace, Ben Odon, John T Kalama, PhD

Abstract

Freedom of information is globally recognised as a potent tool for promoting transparency and accountability in government. For Nigeria, an attempt has been made to institutioanlise this tool through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (2011). In view of its importance, this study investigates its application in Nigeria during the Buhari administration (2015-2023) with a focus on Rivers and Bayelsa States. The study employs North’s Institutional Theory as its framework. Data were drawn from both primary and secondary sources. Specifically, primary data were augmented with secondary data sourced from a thematic analysis of relevant text documents. Through a quantitative analysis of demographic data from 285 Nigerian journalists, alongside their perceptions of FOIA's impact, the study found that despite potential benefits of the FOIA, its efficacy in enhancing press freedom and ensuring transparency and accountability in government has remained an elusive dream for Nigeria. The findings underscore significant institutional barriers, including legal complexities and bureaucratic resistance, hindering FOIA's operational effectiveness. Consequently, the study calls for enhanced awareness initiatives and institutional reforms to optimize FOIA's implementation and foster greater transparency in Nigerian governance. By emphasizing the gap between institutional theory's theoretical expectations and practical realities, this research calls for robust legislative amendments and strengthened enforcement mechanisms to align FOIA's intended objectives with its actual outcomes in terms of press freedom and accountability in government.

Keywords

Freedom of Information ActAccountabilityTransparencyand Press Freedom

References

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