AN APPRAISAL OF FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT IN NIGERIA: A SURVEY OF JOURNALISTS PERCEPTION

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this work was to do an evaluative study of the Freedom of Information Act and media practice in Nigeria. The survey research method was adopted. To this end, the researcher issued 220 copies of questionnaire to randomly selected journalists, broadcasters, advertisers, editors and lecturers in Port Harcourt metropolis. Interviews were also conducted to guide the study development. Simple percentage and tables were used for data analysis. While the study used the development media theory as its theoretical foundation, the findings were that the FOIA has the potency to engender effective media practice as it can only function effectively when some anti-press laws are either expunged or amended. The study concluded that FOIA is a catalyst for freedom with responsibility and good governance, fairness, accuracy, balance and objectivity. It recommended that journalists should go beyond just being aware of the passage into law of the FOIA to acquainting themselves of relevant provisions of the Act so as to maximize the opportunities therein for effective media practice in Nigeria