FG orders NCDMD to comply with FOI Act

The Federal Government has directed one of its agencies, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to comply with Freedom of Information Act (FOI Act) 2011 by making available for public consumption information regarding level of local content law compliance by International Oil Companies (IOCs).

The Hon. Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, directed NCDMB, in a letter MJ/FOI/059/I/70, dated 28th March, 2017, to make the information available under the FOI Act 2011 which, according to him, all government parastatals under his supervision must obey.

According to the letter, which was signed by Mr. Ayo Bakare, State Counsel in the office of AGF, and sighted by Nigerian Tribune on Thursday, Malami SAN argued that “consequent upon the letter under reference, I am directed to draw your kind attention to the provision of section 1 of the FOi Act which established the right of any person to access or request for information whether or not contained in any written form which is in custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution however described to establish exemptions under the Act.

“As you may be aware, the AGF has the oversight responsibility in the implementation of the Act and as such he is expected to ensure effective compliance by all public institutions with the provision of the Act. I am further directed to inform you that in line with the guidelines on the implementation of the Act, each public institution is mandated to designate a senior officer to head its FOI Unit/Desk to be directly responsible for determination of FOI applications and to ensure it delivers on its compliance obligation under the Act.”

“Pursuant to the oversight responsibility of the Hon. AGF as stated above, I am directed to forward the attached letter from the law firm, Kusamotu Associates, representative of Borderless Ltd/Gte who is the applicant and to advise you to handle the application in line with the provisions of the FOI Act 2011 under which the information being requested.”

The Borderless Ltd/Gte, a non-profit organization, had written the AGF requesting the NCDMB to furnish it with information regarding the level of compliance of Nigerian Content Act 2010 which mandated IOCs to give 10 per cent of their projects to indigenous companies.