NYSC rates high in Freedom of Information Act -DG
The management of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has said the scheme ranks high in Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, saying it has been complying with its provisions fully. It also said adequate measures have been put in place to entrench transparency and accountability in the day-to-day running of the scheme.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brig-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, disclosed this Tuesday during the opening ceremony of NYSC Freedom of Information Act Desk Officers’ Workshop in Abuja.
The workshop was themed, “Boosting Government’s Fight against Corruption through the Freedom of Information Act”, was organised for NYSC FOIA Desk Officers from all the NYSC State Secretariats and National Directorate Headquarters, Abuja.
General Ibrahim commended the commitment and resourcefulness of the Desk Officers, as well as the entire workforce of the scheme, which has contributed immensely to the modest heights attained so far.
He noted that NYSC’commitment to FOI Act since 2011 was in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the domestication of the Act by all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“This, coupled with our effective feedback mechanism, ensure prompt response to all FOI requests and timely rendition of annual reports to the Federal Ministry of Justice over the years,” the DG said.
He therefore, urged the Freedom of Information Act Desk Officers to build on the successes recorded, through greater dedication to duties and also assist management in sensitising other members of staff to continue to adhere to the work ethics of probity and accountability.
Speaking further, General Ibrahim advised the FOIA desk officers to intensify efforts in the discharge of their duties, in order to achieve the scheme’s target of becoming the leading agency in FOIA compliance.
He added that in line with the provisions of the NYSC Act on proactive disclosure, information on the operations of the NYSC are regularly posted and updated on the scheme’s website and social media platforms, in addition to the usage of the traditional media.
“It is heartwarming to note that as a result of the vision-driven commitment of the Press and Public Relations Unit and the tenacity of the Desk Officers, NYSC has earned recognition as one of the best performing agencies in the FOIA compliance ranking”, the DG stated.
Ibrahim also reiterated that NYSC management would resist any attempt to threaten the integrity of the scheme’s operations and processes, including the mobilisation, deployment, relocaction and posting of corps members, adding that the scheme remains committed to protecting the lives of corps members.
The Director, Press and Public Relations Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, in her address said the NYSC FOIA Desk Officers’ Workshop has become a yearly event in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2011, which prescribed continuous training and retraining of desk officers for optimal performance.
She said the scheme has established FOIA Community Development Service groups in all its formations nationwide which engage in sensitising members of the public on their rights under the Act.