The Federal Government has issued a stern warning against the unauthorized disclosure of official documents, emphasizing that such actions are punishable offences under Nigerian law.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, delivered this warning during a workshop held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The workshop, organized by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), focused on the theme, “Renewing Hope and Strengthening National Unity through Effective Communication and the Role of the Official Secret Acts in Maintaining Confidentiality and National Security.”
Senator Akume, represented by Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SGF, underscored the critical importance of maintaining confidentiality within the government’s ranks. He highlighted that unauthorized leakage of sensitive official documents is considered a felony, with no permissible defense under the Constitution or the Freedom of Information Act.
Referencing Section 97 (2) of the Criminal Code Act of Nigeria, Akume noted that any public service employee who, without proper authority, copies or discloses any document owned by their employer could face up to one-year imprisonment. He also recalled previous measures implemented to curb the leakage of sensitive information across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“In August 2021, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation issued service-wide circulars aimed at tightening the security of official documents and ensuring compliance with established protocols. This was reinforced by another circular in February 2024, specifically addressing the unauthorized circulation of official documents on social media,” Akume stated.
He emphasized the need to regulate civil society organizations that misuse the Freedom of Information Act to harass, intimidate, and siphon resources from public officers through the dissemination of false information. Akume commended the BPSR for organizing the workshop, which underscores the government’s commitment to disseminating accurate and truthful information.
Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of the Bureau, urged participants to familiarize themselves with the Official Secrets Act and to effectively communicate government policies and programs to the public. “Your role as communication managers in MDAs is crucial, especially in our increasingly complex information ecosystem,” Arabi said.
He stressed that the government must lead the communication landscape to prevent misinformation and ensure citizens are well-informed about government activities and the benefits of its policies and programs. “Accurate and prompt information delivery is essential and cannot be compromised, as its impact on service delivery and governance is profound,” Arabi added.
Arabi encouraged communication managers to use both traditional and social media platforms to inform the public about government initiatives, programs, and services effectively.
