ACCESS TO INFORMATION AS A PANACEA FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Access to information has been regarded as an element of good governance which entails a participatory government giving the masses opportunity to influence government decisions, by the acquisition of information which they are entitled to. This research assesses the right to access information in Nigeria, the characteristics of Nigeria’s present freedom of information laws in relation to previous laws, which regulated access to information, the emerging challenges combating the acquisition of good governance by limiting this right and to what extent is the right of freedom of information important for good governance. This research also addresses the why and how the media is critical in shaping the governance by disseminating information vital to the public. The research further examines the provisions of Freedom of Information Act 2011. Content review and assessment of public perception of the FoIA passed on 28^th may 2011, shows that the Act is intended to make public records and information easily available and accessible to members of the public and also allow them to have recourse to the courts when their requests for information has been denied. This study recommends that the law should deal with the shortcomings of preexisting Acts by introducing statutory provisions aimed at recognizing, protecting and encouraging the exercise of the public's right to information. This study concludes that right to access information cannot achieve its purpose until the general the collective responsibility of demanding and ensuring a transparent Government.