News
MRA faults poor funding for FOI implementation in 2026 budget
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has criticised the Federal Government over what it described as inadequate funding for the implementation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act in the 2026 budget.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos, the organisation said more than 99 per cent of public institutions failed to make budgetary provisions for FOI-related activities, accusing the government of entrenching a culture of secrecy in governance.
MRA said its review of the 2026 federal budget showed that only 13 ministries, departments and agencies—representing less than one per cent of over 1,300 public institutions—made specific allocations for FOI implementation.
According to the group, out of the total federal budget of over ₦58.47 trillion, only ₦191.1 million was earmarked for FOI-related activities across the 13 institutions, representing just 0.00033 per cent of the total expenditure.
MRA’s Deputy Executive Director, Ayode Longe, said the lack of funding undermines compliance with the FOI Act, which mandates public institutions to proactively disclose information, maintain records, train personnel, and respond to public requests.
“Effective compliance with these obligations requires dedicated financial resources. Without adequate funding, these responsibilities cannot be meaningfully discharged,” he said.
Longe noted that the absence of budgetary provisions over the years has contributed to poor record-keeping, low awareness among public officials, delays in responding to information requests, and a general weakening of citizens’ right to access information.
He described the continued failure to fund FOI implementation as a deliberate attempt to weaken transparency and accountability mechanisms.
“By failing to fund the FOI Act, the Federal Government is effectively emasculating the law and rendering it inoperative,” he said.
The organisation also expressed concern that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the body mandated to oversee compliance with the Act, did not make any allocation for FOI-related responsibilities in the 2026 budget.
Longe said the development sends a wrong signal to other public institutions, suggesting that compliance with the law can be ignored without consequences.
MRA, therefore, called on the National Assembly to reject budget proposals from public institutions that fail to include provisions for FOI implementation.
It also urged the Attorney-General to work with relevant government agencies to mandate all public institutions to include dedicated funding for FOI activities in their annual budgets.
The group further recommended the creation of a special FOI Act Oversight Fund within the Federal Ministry of Justice to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of the law.
MRA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and citizens’ right to access information in Nigeria.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
