Open Records Laws › Nigeria

Open Records Laws in Nigeria

2 states with public records laws.

Freedom of Information Act

Act of 2011

Open Records Transparency: 59/100 (moderate) Transparency Score: 59/100

RTI Rating: 88 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
7 days
Extension
7 days
Residency Required
False

7 calendar days from receipt (Section 4(1)). Extension of up to 7 additional days with written notice if request requires search through large number of records or consultations (Section 6). Deemed refusal if no response within deadline.

No residency or citizenship requirement. Section 1(1) grants the right to "any person" to access information. No need to demonstrate specific interest (Section 1(2)).

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • Written request
  • In person
  • Mail
  • Email
  • Foia portal

Fees

Exemptions

  • Personal Privacy
    Information that constitutes invasion of personal privacy (Section 14)
  • Law Enforcement
    Information relating to law enforcement and investigations (Section 12(1))
  • International Affairs
    Information relating to international affairs and defence (Section 11)
  • National Security
    Information that could prejudice national security (Section 11)
  • Legal Privilege
    Legally privileged information (Section 13)
  • Commercial Interests
    Trade secrets and commercial or financial information (Section 15)
  • Professional Privilege
    Information protected by professional privilege (e.g., journalist sources) (Section 16)
  • Course of Action
    Information about a proposed course of action that has not been executed (Section 17)
  • Third Party Information
    Information from third parties treated as confidential (Section 18)

Appeal Process

1

Step 1

Application to the Federal High Court within 30 days of denial (Section 20). Court proceedings are de novo review.

2

Step 2

Appeal from Federal High Court to the Court of Appeal.

Request Templates

Standard Request

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act 2011, I hereby request access to the following information/records: [DESCRIPTION]. I request that the information be provided in [FORMAT]. Contact: [NAME, ADDRESS, EMAIL, PHONE].

Records Retention

Retention Law
National Archives Act 1992
Authority
National Archives of Nigeria

Act No. 30 of 1992 (effective 8 July 1992); Cap. N9, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004

View retention law →

Sources & References

States

Jurisdiction Law Response Days RTI Score
Ekiti Ekiti State Freedom of Information Law 14 —
Lagos Lagos State Freedom of Information Law 14 —