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MDAs flouting Freedom of Information law -Report

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A 24-page ‘2023 National FOI transparency ranking’ has said that over 170 Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of 238 ranked are flouting provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FoI) by not actively respond to requests made through the law.

The ranking was jointly produced by the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) BudgiT, Basic Rights Watch (BRW), Right to Know and Media Rights Agenda (MRA); and Accountability Lab was presented on Tuesday in Abuja.
In the report, an analysis of 238 public institutions ranked by their responsiveness, disclosure and proactive disclosure level shows that the National Population Commission (NPC), Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigerian Correctional Services, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 136 other agencies did not attempt a response to FOI requests.

The research also showed that 136 MDAs scored below 15 points while the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and National Orientation Agency emerged as the most compliant public institutions with 70.3 points, 64.6 points, and 63 points respectively.

According to the FOI ranking, the responsiveness of ministries reduced to 47 per cent from 70.4 per cent recorded in 2022 adding that only two institutions had full proactive disclosure of public information in 2023.

Resource constraints, inadequate tech-savvy staff, outdated information, and disregard for requests without valid reasons were also identified as challenges in the report, which recommended electronic means of communication as a solution.

Also, the Head of Investigations at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, Olugbenga Adanikin, charged all MDAs to proactively disclose and disseminate information to Nigerians on their portals or websites.

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He said that this was to promote a more transparent and accountable government, increase citizen participation and improve public service delivery.

“Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders in the media space including journalists have had reasons to utilize the FOI Act to demand information of public interests, such as road contract details, loan agreements, and budget releases to public institutions to mention but few. Agencies of government can proactively disclose information to Nigerians through their respective websites.

“Today’s event represents another opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to nation-building through the effective use of different art, and also an avenue to recognize relevant agencies of government that have either been proactively disseminating information to Nigerians or swiftly responding to Freedom of Information requests as required by law,” Adanikin said.

The National Coordinator, Open Government Partnership (OGP), Gloria Ahmed, in her keynote at the event themed, ‘The importance of the online space for access to information’, said the FIOA has kept Nigeria steadily on the path of giving its citizens, more access to information despite the prevalent challenges.

She also urged the representatives of agencies to make use of technology to enjoy the benefits that freedom of information brings.

“Over the past 12 years, despite the prevalent challenges FIOA has kept Nigeria steadily on the path of giving its citizens, more access to information granting the right to request information and mandating public institutions to make such information readily available, with stipulated sanctions for erring institutions.

“While citizens can walk into an office or any public institution to request access to information of interest, it is worthy to mention that it is a lot easier to get this information online and for the institutions to publish information about their institutions online, so as to reduce the traffic of people who come into their offices ask for information,” Ahmed said.

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Alleged N1.3bn Fraud: EFCC Arraigns P-Square’s Ex-Manager

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February 26, 2025

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Jude Okoye, the elder brother and former manager of Paul and Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square, on charges of laundering ₦1.38billion, $ 1 million and £34,537.59.

Jude was arraigned alongside his company, Northside Music Ltd, before Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on a seven-count charge

One of the counts read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

Another count read: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Ltd sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did indirectly using bureau de change convert the sum of $1,019,762.87 (One million nineteen thousand, seven hundred and six-two dollars eighty-seven cents), domiciled in Access Bank Plc operated by Northside Music Lid to the naira equivalent and remitted into various bank accounts with the intention of concealing that the said fund form part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2)(a) and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”

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He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Larry Peters Aso, applied for a date for hearing as well as for the remand of the defendant in the correctional facility pending trial.

The defendant’s counsel, Inibehe Effiong, informed the court of a pending bail application. He asked for a short date for the hearing. Effiong also asked that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody pending the hearing of the application.

Aso objected to the request for the defendant to be remanded in the EFCC custody. He argued that the EFCC custody was already congested with suspects awaiting arraignment. He urged the court to remand the defendant to the correctional facility since he had taken his plea.

Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till February 28 for bail hearing and April 14 for trial.

He also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Ikoyi correctional facility.

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Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa Honored With Yoruba Traditional Title of “Yeye Of Yorubas”

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February 26, 2025

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The wife of Niger East Senator, Hajiya Sa’adatu Sani Musa 313, has been conferred with the prestigious title of “Yeye of Yorubas”, meaning “Lover of the Yorubas”, in recognition of her outstanding generosity and unwavering support for Yoruba cultural activities in Niger State.

The honorary title was bestowed upon her by the Kabeyesi of Niger State,(Sarkin Yarbawa of Minna )Alhaji Abdulrazak Abdulkarim (Iyayi), in appreciation of her continuous contributions to the Yoruba community within the state. The Yoruba Forum, a prominent socio-cultural group, formally presented the title to Hajiya Sa’adatu at her Abuja residence on Wednesday.

During the ceremony, members of the Yoruba Forum lauded her commitment to fostering unity and cultural inclusivity. They assured her of their unwavering support in promoting good governance and leadership, not only for the people of Niger East but for the state as a whole.

Speaking at the event, Senator Sani Musa 313, alongside his wife, expressed gratitude for the recognition, reaffirming their dedication to the Yoruba community and other ethnic groups in Niger State. The senator highlighted the importance of unity among Nigeria’s diverse cultures and pledged to continue supporting initiatives that promote harmony and development.

The conferment of the “Yaye of Yorubas” title underscores Hajiya Sa’adatu’s significant role in bridging cultural divides and fostering peaceful coexistence among different ethnic groups in the state. It also reflects the growing appreciation of individuals who contribute to the welfare and unity of Nigeria’s diverse communities.

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, traditional leaders, and members of the Yoruba community, further solidifying the bond between the Yoruba people and the leadership of Senator Sani Musa.

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Africa holds key to unlocking 120 billion barrels of oil – OPEC Chief

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February 26, 2025

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The Secretary-General of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Mr Haitham Al-Ghais, has tasked Africa to unlock its proven oil reserves of over 120 billion barrels.

Mr Haitham Al-Ghais, OPEC Secretary-General, made this known while delivering a keynote address titled “Driving Cross-Continental Investments: Scaling Africa’s Energy Frontier”, at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The eight edition of the energy summit, which opened on Monday and ends on Thursday, has ‘’Bridging continents: Connecting investors with Africa’s Energy Potential’’ as theme.

He also said that Africa with around 18 trillion standard cubic metres of natural gas, was a testament to the continent’s crucial role in the global energy landscape.

“The world will need more of this oil in the future. Therefore, it is critical that the African oil and gas industry attracts the level of investment necessary to unlock this great potential”, Al-Ghais added.

He said that the vast resources at Africa’s disposal should not be disregarded or neglected merely to accommodate the energy transition agenda pushed by Western nations.

The secretary-general expressed appreciation to the leadership and people of Nigeria for their hospitality and thanked the summit organisers for their efforts in organising this year’s edition.

According to him, OPEC’s market research and forecasting points to the importance of Africa.

“Additionally, we know from Nigeria’s countless contributions to OPEC’s successes, how rewarding it is to work in this great nation. We encourage all potential investors to look at Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,”.

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Al-Ghais highlighted the strong and enduring relationship between OPEC and Africa, noting that half of OPEC’s member countries are from the continent, including Nigeria, the most populous African nation, and Algeria, the largest in geographical size.

Other African OPEC members include Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Libya.

He also lauded Africa’s youthful and dynamic population, which presents a strong workforce for the oil sector.

“It’s crucial to discuss how we can unlock the potential that this great continent holds, and how to create an investment-enabling environment that attracts the capital necessary to fully realize that potential,” he said.

“The investment needs of the oil industry are substantial, with cumulative requirements amounting to 17.4 trillion dollars by 2050.

“This is why stability in the oil market is essential for investors to plan effectively,” he added.
He highlighted OPEC’s views on some important topics relevant to both the global industry and Africa, including future of global oil demand, energy investment and finance, as well as the ever-evolving issue of climate change and energy transitions.(NAN)

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