FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2011: A VERITABLE INSTRUMENT FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Freedom of information, specifically provides access to information held by public authorities, is a fundamental element of the right to freedom of expression and vital to the proper functioning of a democracy. It is an act that makes provision for the disclosure of information held by public authorities or by person providing services for them. This means that the Act enables one to see a wide range of public information because it gives the right to ask any public body for all the information they have on any subject. On the other hand, legislative oversight is the review, monitoring and supervision of government and public agencies, including the implementation of policy and legislation. It involves keeping an eye on the activities of governmental agencies especially the executive branch on behalf of the Nigerian people. The objective of this work to is to recognize and emphasize the importance of freedom of Information Act to the legislation in their oversight function. This is imperative because they need relevant information during their supervision of the ministries, departments and agencies. This will enable them either to retain the existing laws or make new laws to meet up with their findings. The work will discuss the significance of freedom of Information Act, rights of access to government information, prospects of freedom of Information Act and challenges of the Act. It will also discuss the legislative oversight and its limits. In conclusion the importance and need of freedom of Information Act and legislative oversight will be emphasized as indispensable tool for democracy.