Civil Society and Freedom of Information Policy Localization in Nigeria’s Subnational and Local Governments

Abstract

This article examined the plausible interventions of civil society in the FOI policy localization in Nigeria’s subnational and local governments. It is based on desk review, guided interviews, and stakeholders’ engagement. Watt’s federalism was reviewed to contextualize the discussion of FOI policy applicability in Nigeria, and Meijer’s transparency was operationalized to derive eight sets of questions and codes for analysis. From the findings, factors of idea movement help understand subnational peculiarities in policy localization. The article classifies civil society as ‘policy participants’ in academia, ethnic-based groups, labor centers, media, and NGOs, offering unique but overlapping inputs. Strategies include research, advocacy, campaigns, storytelling, protests, and volunteering. Alliances and networks enable openness in subnational governments.