Tinubu’s Administration Is Not Operating in Secrecy – AGF Fagbemi Declares
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, has reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transparency and openness in governance. Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ town hall meeting on the application of the Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) in Awka, Anambra State, Fagbemi emphasized that the current government is not operating in secrecy and encourages citizens to utilize the FoIA to hold public officials accountable.
Represented by Garba Sunday from the FoIA Department of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Fagbemi highlighted that the FoIA empowers Nigerians to access government information and records without the need to justify their requests. He stated, “The Act also provides for people with disabilities and the vulnerable to access government records, noting that requests for release of such information must be in writing and not orally.”
Fagbemi also called on public office holders to proactively disclose their activities, allowing the public to assess their performance and dispel rumors. He noted that while the Act guarantees the right to access information, certain exemptions exist, and specific conditions must be met before releasing particular government records.
The event, organized by the Center for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice, aimed to raise awareness about the FoIA’s role in promoting transparency and accountability. Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director of CTA, expressed concern that many Nigerians remain unaware of the Act’s provisions, even 14 years after its passage. She emphasized that the FoIA enables citizens, including women, youth, and people with disabilities, to hold governments and institutions accountable for their actions.
Fagbemi urged Nigerians to actively use the FoIA to engage with government activities and ensure accountability. He stated, “It is your right to know and participate in the governance of this great country.” He also cautioned against using the Act for malicious purposes, emphasizing that its intent is to promote transparency, accountability, openness, and good governance, not to blackmail or fight the government.
This reaffirmation of commitment to the FoIA aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda to strengthen the fight against corruption at all levels. In December 2023, Fagbemi highlighted the administration’s determination to fully implement Nigeria’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) for 2022–2026. He outlined that the strategy focuses on five pillars: prevention of corruption, public engagement, ethical re-orientation campaigns, enforcement and sanction, and recovery and management of proceeds of crime.
The administration’s dedication to the rule of law was further emphasized during a citizen engagement event on justice sector reforms in December 2024. Fagbemi reiterated that there would be no reversal of the policy, given President Tinubu’s strong belief that democracy can only flourish in a society where the rule of law reigns supreme. He highlighted achievements such as the development and adoption of the National Policy on Justice (2024–2028), the National Policy on Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution 2024, and the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA, 2015).
These initiatives underscore the administration’s commitment to fostering a transparent and accountable governance environment, ensuring that citizens are informed and actively participate in the democratic process.