Lagos

Lagos State Freedom of Information Law

Lagos State Law

Open Records Transparency: 50/100 (moderate) Transparency Score: 50/100

Response Timeline

Initial Response
14 days
Extension
7 days

Lagos State extended the federal FOI Act's 7-day deadline to 14 days in its own legislation. This is a meaningful difference from the federal FOI Act 2011 deadline. In April 2025 the Nigerian Supreme Court confirmed the federal FOI Act is enforceable in all states, but Lagos's own law remains operative with its 14-day deadline.

Exemptions

  • Information endangering national security
  • Personal privacy interests
  • Trade secrets and commercial confidence
  • Law enforcement and investigation records
  • Executive committee deliberations

Exemptions broadly follow the federal FOI Act 2011 framework.

Appeal Process

1

1

Application to the head of the institution for review

2

2

Application to the High Court of Lagos State

Lagos High Court hears FOI appeals from state bodies.

Sources & References