In an effort to maintain confidentiality and prevent the spread of sensitive information, the Nigerian government is cracking down on government employees who disclose official documents without permission. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), issued a stern warning emphasising that leaks that could harm the country will not be tolerated and that whistleblowers could face jail time as a consequence. Reporters and Civil Society organisations often depend on these leaks to uncover Corruption and misconduct in the government.
Despite Nigeria having a law safeguarding whistleblowers, numerous individuals face repercussions for revealing misconduct in government entities. Experts and activists combating corruption have pinpointed governmental secrecy as a key factor fuelling corruption in the nation. Mr. Akume addressed attendees at a workshop hosted by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in partnership with the Office of the Government of the Federation (OSGF). According to report, the workshop’s focus is on revitalising optimism and enhancing national cohesion through efficient communication and the Official Secrets Acts’ role in upholding confidentiality and safeguarding national security.
Many initiatives have been taken to curb unauthorised dissemination.
Mr. Akume, speaking through Nnamdi Mbaeri, the Permanent Secretary in the SGF Office, emphasised that the unauthorised disclosure of important government papers is considered a serious crime with no legal justification, as outlined in both the Constitution and Freedom of Information Act. The Criminal Code Act of Nigeria, Section 97 (2), states that any individual working in the public service who copies or takes a document belonging to their employer without permission will be charged with a misdemeanour and could face up to one year in prison.
In the past, he recalled how the government implemented steps to prevent the unauthorised sharing of classified government information within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). This was done through the distribution of service-wide circulars by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in August 2021. Furthermore, this effort was strengthened with another service-wide circular issued in February 2024, specifically addressing the unauthorised dissemination of official documents containing sensitive information on social media.
Regulations are essential for the usage of the Freedom of Information Act.
This action aimed to emphasise further existing rules that forbid the unauthorised sharing or release of official documents. It is essential to establish regulations for civil society groups that misuse the Freedom of Information Act to bully, threaten, and drain resources from public officials by spreading false and baseless news. This issue must be tackled effectively by professionals in the fields of communication and related industries, he emphasised. Mr Akume praised the BPSR for hosting the workshop, stating that it highlights the value the government places on the sharing of accurate and honest information.
On his part, Dasuki Arabi, who is the Bureau’s Director-General, emphasised the importance of communication managers in government agencies familiarising themselves with the Official Secrets Act. He stressed the significance of effectively conveying government policies and programs to the public in the current intricate information landscape. Arabi highlighted the crucial role of communication managers due to the highly fragmented communications and platforms in today’s environment. Proactive communication is essential for the government to navigate this complexity.
Related Article: Misinformation poses a threat to Nigeria
It is crucial for the communication landscape to be guided in a way that combats Misinformation and guarantees that all citizens are well-informed about the government’s activities, goals, and the advantages of its policies and programs. The timely and accurate delivery of information is vital and must not be overlooked, as it greatly influences service provision and governance, he emphasised. He assigned the communication managers with the responsibility of utilising their training to effectively communicate government initiatives, programs, and services to the public through both traditional and Social Media platforms.