AN EXAMINATION OF THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Freedom of Information Act 2011, Laws of Federation of Nigeria (LFN) also provides for the right to freedom of expression by ensuring that public records and information are freely available and provided for public access to public records and information. The Act provides for protection of personal privacy. The Act protects serving public officials from adverse consequences of disclosing certain kinds of official information without authorization and establishes procedures for the achievement of those purposes and related matters.

This article examined the extent to which the Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act and Laws have provided for the exercise of this right. It also examined the provision of the constitution and laws that derogate and restrict the right to freedom of expression in Nigeria.

It was concluded that the Law of defamation has been provided to restrict the right of freedom of expression. The legal requirements for proving that one’s right has been infringed is difficult as there exist several defences to the tort of defamation