CTA Urges Women to Use FOIA in Anti-Corruption Fight

By: Anayo Akwitti

The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has called on Nigerian women to leverage the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011 in combating corruption.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Abuja, CTA’s Executive Director, Engr Faith Nwadishi, emphasized the vital role women play in fostering transparency but noted that many face challenges in engaging with the FOIA.

She highlighted information sharing as a key step in utilizing the act effectively. “The event explores how FOIA promotes women’s rights, equity, and inclusion in the fight against corruption, aligning with the 2024 International Women’s Day theme,” Nwadishi stated.

She also underscored corruption as a growing threat to democracy, economic progress, and social justice, disproportionately affecting women and marginalized communities.

The meeting spotlights the Strengthening Accountability and Governance in Nigeria Initiative (SAGNI), a project supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) and funded by the European Union through International IDEA.

SAGNI is actively promoting transparency in the Federal Capital Territory, Anambra, and Edo States through FOIA implementation.

Special Adviser to the Minister of Youth Development, Kehinde Charity Awujoola, commended CTA’s advocacy efforts.

She reiterated that access to information is crucial for women’s empowerment, stating, “The FOIA is a powerful tool for gender equality and social justice, enabling women to access government information and participate fully in governance.”

The event reinforced the significance of FOIA in holding leaders accountable and ensuring women’s inclusion in governance and anti-corruption efforts.