By LAJA THOMAS

Freedom of Information, FOI, Act has been described as a document of inestimable value in developmental terms. This was stated by Mr. John Momoh, Chairman/CEO, Channels Television, who was the guest speaker at the 27th investiture of President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi, Lagos.

While speaking on the topic: “Freedom of Information Bill: How relevant to our socio-economic development,” Momoh said,  “With the FOI Act, citizens and civil society groups could demand access to records, once there is basis for suspicion. That consciousness should make office holders to sit up, be a lot more careful in how they use state resources.

The FOI Act is of tremendous social relevance because it provides for access to records and information that will enhance public enlightenment and the meaningful participation of citizens in governance.”

He went on: “For instance, public access to the accounts books and related records of the National Assembly, NNPC, PTDF, Bureau of Public Enterprises, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Customs Service, and the rest, would definitely minimise fraud and eliminate a lot of abuses that make doing business in Nigerian prohibitive.”