In a bid to promote transparency and ensure easy access to public records, the Federal High Court of Nigeria has established a Freedom of Information (FOI) Desk at its headquarters in Abuja.
The initiative, according to the Court’s Director of Information, Mrs. Catherine Oby Christopher, is designed to foster accountability and improve the flow of information between the judiciary and the public.
In a statement released on Saturday, Christopher noted that the move aligns with the Court’s ongoing commitment to openness in its daily operations.
“This is part of our efforts to ensure that no individual or organization is left in the dark regarding the activities of the Federal High Court,” she stated.
She explained that the FOI Desk would serve as a centralized point for receiving inquiries from journalists, members of the public, and civil society organizations. It will also handle the submission of formal FOI requests, letters, and other correspondences.
“The Desk will not only respond to inquiries but also guide citizens on how to access public records and information in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act,” she added.
Strategically located within the Federal High Court Headquarters, the newly established unit is staffed with trained personnel who will provide assistance to those seeking information about the Court’s operations, decisions, and general activities.
The Desk is expected to ensure compliance with legal and procedural standards in the handling of FOI-related matters.
The statement emphasized that the development reflects the judiciary’s broader efforts to uphold the constitutional right to information and encourage open communication between the courts and the general public.
Christopher urged all individuals or institutions in need of official information to make use of the FOI Desk during working hours for prompt and professional assistance.