Presented by Oludayo Bamgbose, Civil Society Coalition of Migration and Development at a 2-day Capacity Enhancement Workshop on Advocacy organized by South-West Freedom of Information Advocacy Network

1. PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF FREEDOM
OF INFORMATION ACT FOR CSOS /
MEDIA: THE RIGHT TO ASK.
BY
OLUDAYO BAMGBOSE
CIVIL SOCIETY COALITION OF MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT
CISCOMDNG@YAHOO.COM
+2348033505916
GROUP ONE
Presentation

2. Introduction
Knowledge of What FOI is all about is
key for successful advocacy and
implementation.
-You cannot give what you don’t have.
CSOs and the media need to build their
capacities for effective advocacy and
optimal utilization of FOI Laws.

3. The challenges
Reluctance on the part of the government
officials in releasing sensitive information.
 Official secrecy Act as a shield.
 In Lagos state for example, there is an express
restriction as to those who can give out public
information.
The popular belief that FOIA needs to be adopted at
the state level. Yet, the states are unwilling to adopt the
Act.
Eg.,Oyo State House of Assembly experience is an
example.

4. Challenges ( cont’d)
Safety of genuine whistle blowers cannot be
guaranteed.
 This is because whistle blowers are
sometimes perceived as antagonists and
members of rival political parties.
Disregard for court orders.
Financial constraint.

5. The way out
Capacity building of CSOs/Media workers.
Mobilize professional bodies/ FBOs and Cultural
organizations.
Use of indigenous languages for instructions and
mobilization particularly at the grass root.
Targeted information requests be made using
FOIA to targeted public institutions for
information on issues of national importance like
budget.

6. Way out (cont’d)
Building strong partnership with media for
sustaining FOIA implementation.
Maximize the use of print, electronic and social
media for increased awareness.
This is because media publicity is essential towards
mass mobilization.
Team work can minimize risks to whistle blowers.
Periodic evaluation of activities. The use of FOI list
serve to learn best practices amongst members.

7. Way out (cont’d)
Capacity to follow up request with legal action if
need arises.
Building strong partnership and media for
sustaining FOI implementation.
Periodic evaluation of activities. The use of FOI list
serve to learn best practices amongst members.
Partnership with stakeholders.

8. From all of us

9. Thank you for
your attention.

11. Pst Mrs E.Y Odedele- Chairman
Dayo Bamgbose- Secretary
Agnes Tola-Winjobi-Member
Ayo Adebusoye-Member
Nike Obatayo JP-Member
Azeez Tajudeen O-Member
Kemi Adesina Soyebi-Member
Tuned Hassan-Member
Elegbede Tayo-Member