In continuation of its activities at promoting citizens participation in governance, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) held a One Day Community Engagement on ‘’Understanding Open Government Partnership (OGP) and Application of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 2011’’ in Kwali Area Council, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Director General NOA, Dr. Garba Abari who was represented by the Deputy Director, Planning, Research and Strategy (PRS), Barr. Juliet Achebe, emphasized that the core purpose of the FOI Act is to citizens informed on how government works and to encourage the active participation of all Nigerians in governance.
She explained further that the mission of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) was to create strategic ways for citizens, civil societies and reformers in government to join forces, commit to reforms to open up government, and together ensure that public institutions work for citizens and not for personal interests.
In his presentation, the resource person, Mr Bonat Tagwai noted that the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, 2011 was put in place to avail citizens’ access to information from public institutions.
Furthermore, he stated that the essence of the Act was to promote Transparency, Accountability and Stewardship in governance. He therefore urged for a better understanding and application of the FOI Act amongst the formal and informal sectors for the overall benefits of the citizenry.
Selected participants were drawn from Market women/men, Artisans, Keke Riders Association, Community Leaders, Road Transport Workers amongst others.
In her vote of thanks, Director, Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, Mrs. Mary Tanko urged participants to cascade lessons learnt at the forum to others in their respective sphere of influence.