As the world marks International Day for Universal Access to Information, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged governments to expand the nation’s democratic space by guaranteeing access to information in line with Freedom of Information Act and other international instruments.
The International Day for Universal Access to Information was proclaimed on October 15, 2019, at the 74th UN General Assembly.
In a statement by the NGE President, Mustpha Isah, and General Sceretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, NGE said access to information was an indispensable element of a democratic space, which enables citizens to hold elected representatives accountable for their decisions and how they spend public fund.
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The editors expressed concern that 12 years after former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the Freedom of Information Act, government agencies and ministries had continued to deny citizens access to information.
The NGE argued that if governments were serious in fighting corruption, then access to information was essential in the ‘’war’’ against graft.
Accordingto them, with few months to 2023 election, the citizens require access to information to make decisions regarding their obligations.