The Bureau of Public
Service Reforms (BPSR) and Right-To-Know, have collaborated to enlighten federal
government ministries, departments and agencies on open government partnership
and freedom of information act.
The aim is to deepen
their awareness of the objectives and essential elements of the open government
partnership (OGP) and also raise their capacity on freedom of information act.
Dr Joe Abah, director-general, Bureau of Public Service Reforms at a lunch time
seminar tagged: “Open Government and
Freedom of Information” held at the auditorium of Federal
Ministry of Finance in Abuja noted the current administration is deeply commitment to zero tolerance for corrupt
practices.
Florence Eke, head, strategic communication
dept, Bureau of Public Service Reforms quoted Abah as saying that this was amply
demonstrated when President Muhammed
Buhari signed into Open Government Partnership initiatives alongside
former British Prime Minister, David
Cameron at a Global Anti-Corruption Summit in London in May, 2016.
Abah further explained
that BPSR considered the twin of Open Government and Freedom of Information as
important elements in the ongoing fight against corruption while arguing
further that it was equally important Public Servants are made to be fully
aware of the objectives and essential elements of the Open Government
Partnership (OGP).
“The more open and
accountable we are to the public, the more public support that government will
receive for its initiatives. It is for this reason we have championed this
cause”, the DG further stated.
In his presentation on
“Open Government Partnership”, the Director –General explained to participants
at the seminar, comprising of Directors of Reform Coordination and Directors of
Information Units in various MDAs, on the principles of Open Government and the
commitments of OGP member states to use their national action plans as a means
to implement 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
While justifying the
collaboration with R2k in organizing this seminar, Dr Abah said partnering with
Civil Society, including the Media, to co-create a National Action Plan was
also an element in Open Government. This, according to him, would foster public
participation, government integrity, Freedom of Information and Public Service
Delivery.
Benjamin Okolo, head, Freedom of Information Unit, Federal
Ministry of Justice, who was also one of the guest speakers urged all MDAs to
follow the FOI guidelines by making public records and Information more freely
available to ensure transparency.
He however advised them
to be more proactive in responding to applications seeking for information
within 7 days, as stipulated in FOI Act, except for requests that require a
large volume of records.
Ene Nwankpa, national coordinator
R2K, in her goodwill message, said that after the passage of FOI Act, the task
before all stakeholders now was to see that it is fully implemented. She called
on all relevant agencies of government to work as a team, as they are all
partners in progress.
She lauded BPSR for the
mutual collaboration they have enjoyed over the years.
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