The Edo State Government has strengthened its commitment towards the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), saying transparency and openness are key to improving public trust and service delivery.
The Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, gave the assurance when he received a delegation led by Hon. Justice Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court at the Government House in Benin City.
Dr Okungbowa described the civil service as the engine of government and stressed the need for public institutions to be open and proactive in providing information. He thanked Justice Ikponmwonba for her support, particularly her call for an FOIA Implementation Guide and the appointment of FOIA desk officers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He noted that the Edo State Government, under Governor Monday Okpebholo, is committed to making transparency a core part of governance. He added that the state will continue to work with the Judiciary and development partners to create an FOIA guide that will help strengthen compliance and monitoring.
According to him, the Edo Public Service Retooling and Enhancement Programme (Edo-PREP), which is aligned with the Governor’s SHINE Agenda, includes a module on anti-corruption and FOIA compliance to help institutionalise openness across MDAs.
Dr Okungbowa also recalled that the Supreme Court has already confirmed that the FOIA applies to states, making implementation mandatory. He emphasised that access to information is a duty the government owes citizens and a key step toward restoring public confidence.
He commended the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme for supporting reforms in the state. He further assured that all new public buildings will meet accessibility standards for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
In her remarks, Justice Ikponmwonba praised the government’s proactive stance but stressed the need for a clear implementation guide tailored to Edo State’s needs. She highlighted challenges, such as low public awareness, bureaucratic delays, and insufficient training, and called for more sensitisation and capacity-building for public officers.
Meanwhile, the RoLAC State Programme Coordinator, Mr Imonitien Omokhodion, reaffirmed the organisation’s support for FOIA implementation and urged the government to ensure better accessibility for PWDs in public institutions.
