Freedom of information act and records management in Nigeria : periscoping the impediments and exploring imperative measures

Abstract EN

Within the framework of New Public Management theory (NPM), the paper analyzed issues of records and information management and the role it can play in administrative efficiency and success of freedom of information Act 2011.

The importance of records and information management in the fight against corruption and promotion of good governance, transparency and accountability cannot be overstated; the three can not be achieved without available, accurate and accessible records and information.

To demonstrate transparency and accountability to its citizens, government relies upon policy documents, budget papers, procurement records, property and fixed assets, registers, accounting records etc.

Drawing experience from the developed and developing countries in this globalized era, it concludes that the Nigeria Freedom of Information Act cannot successfully address the challenges of corruption in high places, bad governance, lack of transparency and accountability, unless public servants embraces and cultivates global best practices in records and information management as x-rayed in the paper