By Olabisi Sulaiman & Moryam Bakare
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has announced the opening of entries for the Goodluck Jonathan Freedom of Information (FOI) Awards 2026, which seek to honour journalists advancing transparency and accountability through the effective use of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011.
Named after former President Goodluck Jonathan, who signed the FOI Act into law on 28 May 2011, the awards seek to celebrate journalists whose work has strengthened access to information and open governance in Nigeria.
Award categories
MRA, in a statement announcing the opening of the call, noted that the 2026 edition features two award categories.
The first category, ‘Most Active User of the FOI Act’, according to the statement, will recognise a journalist who has made the highest verifiable number of information requests under the Act between 28 May 2011 and 31 December 2025.
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It further explained that the second category, ‘Most Outstanding Promoter of the FOI Act’, will honour a journalist who has made the most outstanding contributions to raising public awareness about the Act and advocating its effective implementation through reports, features, or public engagement.
Eligibility and submission details
The deadline for submission of entries, according to MRA, is 11:59 p.m. (WAT) on 31 January 2026.
MRA said the awards are open to Nigerian journalists working in print, broadcast, online, or multimedia platforms.
“Applicants must not be under any legal restriction or have been found guilty of professional misconduct,” the statement noted, adding that entries must include a completed application form and verifiable documentation, such as acknowledged copies of FOI requests or published outputs, depending on the category.
Winners in each category will receive a plaque, certificate, and prize at a public ceremony scheduled for 28 May 2026 in Abuja, an event that will also mark the 15th anniversary of the FOI Act, which remains a vital instrument for deepening openness and civic participation in Nigeria.
About MRA
Media Rights Agenda is a non-partisan, non-governmental organisation that promotes and protects freedom of expression, media freedom, access to information, as well as digital rights and freedoms.