REPORT ON ADVOCACY VISIT TO PROFESSOR SYLVIA IFEMEJE, HONORABLE COMMISSIONER AND ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ANAMBRA STATE

REPORT ON ADVOCACY VISIT TO PROFESSOR SYLVIA IFEMEJE, HONORABLE COMMISSIONER AND ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ANAMBRA STATE

Date: 6/11/2024

Time: 12 Noon

Location: Ministry of Justice, Anambra State

Introduction:

On November 6,2024 a delegation from the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) paid an advocacy visit to Professor Sylvia Ifemeje, the Honorable Commissioner and Attorney General of Anambra State. The purpose of the visit was to engage the Attorney General on the state’s commitment to domesticating the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in Anambra State. Also, to record her views in a documentary on the FOIA.

The objectives of the visit were:

1. To advocate for the domestication of the FOIA in Anambra State.
2. To seek the Attorney General’s commitment to supporting the establishment of FOIA Desks across ministries and departments in the state.
3. To discuss the benefits of the FOIA in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Delegation:

1. MacDonald Ekemezie, Programme and Communications Manager (representing the ED)
2. Emmanuel Ude, Programme Officer Anambra Office
3. Professor Godwin Onu
4. Mrs Gloria Nwafor (PWD)

Meeting Highlights:

During the meeting, the CTA delegation emphasized the importance of domesticating the FOIA in Anambra State. Professor Ifemeje acknowledged the significance of the FOIA in promoting transparency and accountability. She assured the delegation that the state government is committed to openness and transparency.

Professor Ifemeje made the following commitments:

1. To present the issue of domestication of the FOIA before the governor of Anambra State.
2. That the ministry is willing to collaborate with Civil Society in the anti-corruption war

The CTA delegation Asks were:

1. Expedited domestication of the FOIA in the Anambra State.
2. Capacity building for public officials on FOIA implementation.
3. Development of framework for FOIA compliance.

Conclusion: The advocacy visit was successful in securing the Attorney General’s commitment to supporting the domestication of the FOIA in Anambra State. The CTA appreciates Professor Ifemeje’s willingness to engage with civil society organizations and looks forward to collaborating with her office to ensure the effective implementation of the FOIA.