Open Society Justice Initiative Lauds Adoption of Freedom of Information Bill by Nigerian Senate

ABUJA, Nigeria—The Open Society Justice Initiative today hailed the Nigerian senate's approval of a freedom of information bill and urged President Olusegun Obasanjo to sign it into law quickly.

The bill, if it becomes law, will guarantee Nigerian citizens the right to access government-held information. Nigeria is set to become just the fourth African nation with a freedom of information law, following South Africa, Uganda, and Angola.

"This is an important step for Nigeria," said Maxwell Kadiri, junior legal officer with the Justice Initiative's Abuja office. "If and when the bill becomes law, it will further government transparency and increase public participation in the democratic process."

The bill, adopted unanimously by the senate earlier this week, has been pending in parliament since 1999. It was approved by the Nigerian House of Representatives in 2004. The house and senate versions of the bill are very similar but must still be reconciled and then either signed by President Obasanjo or approved by two-thirds of parliament to become law. Advocates expressed hope that this could happen before the parliament's recess in December.

The bill's passage is a significant victory for Nigeria's freedom of information advocates, who have championed its passage for over six years. It is also an impetus for other African nations to enact similar laws, and for those nations that already have freedom of information laws to enforce them more vigorously.

"The Nigerian people have waited a long time for this bill to be passed," said Kadiri. "Its unanimous approval shows that the Senate understands the bill's importance. We are gratified by President Obasanjo's remarks welcoming the bill's adoption, and look forward to his signing it into law at the earliest possible opportunity."