A coalition of civil society organizations, led by ResearcherNG, has demanded the domestication of the Freedom of Information Act in Edo State.

Joined by other civil society groups under the umbrella of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGOS), the groups conducted a sensitization and awareness campaign around the Kings Square, the Edo State House of Assembly, and the NUJ Press Centre.

At the House of Assembly, the Policy and Governance Advocacy Officer of ResearcherNG, Modupe Akinwale, asked the lawmakers to domesticate the FOI Act or enact one suitable for the state.

She explained that domesticating the FOI Act has become necessary because the citizens have rights to access information unhindered. 

Modupe noted that while the NGO has observed a pending lawsuit as a possible impedement to the domestication of the FOI Act in Edo, the state Assembly could go ahead to enact a suitable version for the state to deepen transparency and engender good governance.

Addressing the group, the Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media, Ivy Ebojiele said the Edo 8th Assembly is a grass rooted assembly committed to values that promote good governance.

She assured that the assembly will consider the call of the groups and take action as deemed necessary. 

The group also made a strategic stop at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, where the Executive Director of the Unique Love For Persons With Disabilities Initiative, Ann Ojugo stressed the significance of access to information in ensuring accountability.

Ojugbo said it was worrisome that since the Freedom of Information Bill became an Act, the Edo State Gubernatorial is yet to domesticated it.

She said the domestication of the FOIA in Edo will enable citizens to hold the government of the day accountable to its citizens.

In his remarks, the Edo NUJ Chairman, Festus Alenkhe commended the group for advocating for the domestication of the FOI Act in Edo.

He noted that if domesticated, it will reduce cases of misinformation and being quoted out of context.