As the world marks the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged governments at all levels to expand the nation’s democratic space by guaranteeing the right to access public information in line with the Freedom of Information Act and other international instruments.
The International Day for Universal Access to Information was proclaimed on October 15, 2019 at the 74th UN General Assembly to be held on September 28.
NGE in statement jointly signed by President, Mustpha Isah and the General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Tuesday, said the right to access public information is an indispensable element of a democratic space.
It explained that access to public information enables citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable for the decisions they make and the ways in which they spend public fund.
NGE noted that if the government at all levels are truly serious in fighting corruption, then, access to information is an essential tool – in the ‘’war’’ against corruption.
The statement read in part: “It enhances democratic accountability and transparency, detecting corrupt practices and enabling participation in the development of anti-corruption policy and law; and deepens trust among citizens and their governments.”
