The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified its crackdown on the unauthorized disclosure of official documents, citing severe legal consequences for offenders. This stern warning was issued during a workshop organized by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) in Abuja.
Key Points from the Workshop
The workshop, themed “Renewing Hope and Strengthening National Unity through Effective Communication and the Role of the Official Secrets Act in Maintaining Confidentiality and National Security,” underscored the critical importance of confidentiality within government operations. Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SGF, delivered an address on behalf of SGF Senator George Akume.
Legal Ramifications
Senator Akume emphasized that unauthorized leakage of sensitive official documents is a felony under Nigerian law, with no permissible defense under the Constitution or the Freedom of Information Act. He referred to Section 97 (2) of the Criminal Code Act, which stipulates up to one year imprisonment for public service employees who copy or disclose documents without proper authority.
Government Measures
Akume highlighted previous measures aimed at curbing information leaks across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). These included service-wide circulars issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in August 2021 and February 2024. These circulars aimed to tighten document security and enforce compliance with established protocols, especially regarding social media circulation of official information.
Regulation of Information
Addressing concerns about misuse of the Freedom of Information Act by civil society organizations, Akume called for stricter regulation to prevent the dissemination of false or unfounded information. He stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring accurate and truthful dissemination of information to the public, highlighting its impact on governance and public service delivery.
Role of Communication Managers
Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of the Bureau for Public Service Reforms, urged communication managers to familiarize themselves with the Official Secrets Act. He emphasized the pivotal role of accurate and timely information delivery in enhancing transparency and public trust in government initiatives, programs, and services.
The Federal Government’s firm stance on maintaining confidentiality underscores its commitment to safeguarding national security and preventing unauthorized disclosures. As communication channels evolve, the government continues to adapt its strategies to uphold information integrity and combat misinformation. The workshop serves as a proactive step towards reinforcing the importance of responsible information management within Nigeria’s public sector.
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