Despite FOI request, NCC, NIMC fail to explain why security agencies enjoy unfettered access to database
The Nigerian Communication Commission and National Identity Management Commission have both failed to honour a freedom of information request querying their decision to grant certain security agencies unfettered access to their database.
The FOI request filed by Paradigm Initiative and Ikigai Innovative initiative on February 11, sought to find out the legal provision that influenced the actions of the communication agencies.
The civil society organisations also sought to know the independent oversight mechanism used to ensure transparency and accountability of the activities of law enforcement agents.
Some security agencies in February got the nod of President Muhammadu Buhari to get unfettered access to the database of the NIMC.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, disclosed that the security agencies with this approval will be able to gain access to Nigerians’ information without seeking permission from the NCC.
However, in a press release made available to Peoples Gazette on Tuesday, the CSOs noted that the communication agencies failed to respond to the FOI request despite acknowledging receipt.
“Although both organisations acknowledged receipt of the request on February 15, 2022, none of them is yet to respond to the questions asked,” statement by the CSOs read.
The Freedom of Information Act 2011 mandates public institutions to respond to FOI requests within seven days of receipt.
However, the CSOs warned that they will be forced to take legal action should the institutions still fail to respond to their request.
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