Our Reporter, Abuja
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has announced the commencement of entries for the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards 2026, aimed at celebrating journalists who have demonstrated excellence in promoting transparency and accountability through the use of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
Named in honour of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who signed the FOI Act into law on May 28, 2011, the awards seek to recognize journalists who have effectively used the Act as a tool for investigative reporting and advocacy for open governance.
According to a statement released by MRA on Thursday in Lagos, the 2026 edition features two main categories — Most Active User of the FOI Act and Most Outstanding Promoter of the FOI Act.
The first category will honour a journalist who has made the highest number of verifiable information requests under the FOI Act between May 28, 2011, and December 31, 2025. MRA said the award is designed to encourage consistent use of the Act to foster transparency and good governance.
The second category will recognize a journalist who has made exceptional contributions in raising public awareness about the FOI Act and advocating for its effective implementation. This includes producing reports, features, opinion pieces, or other media outputs that enlighten citizens, government officials, and media professionals about the Act’s provisions and benefits.
MRA emphasized that applicants must be Nigerian journalists working in print, broadcast, online, or multimedia platforms, and must not be under any legal restriction or found guilty of professional misconduct.
Interested journalists are required to complete an application form and submit relevant, verifiable documentation, such as acknowledged copies of FOI requests or published media works, depending on the category entered.
The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. (WAT) on January 31, 2026.
MRA disclosed that winners in each category will receive a plaque, certificate, and cash prize, with the awards presentation scheduled for May 28, 2026, in Abuja — marking the 15th anniversary of the FOI Act’s enactment.
