Roles and Effectiveness of Information Policy Regulatory Bodies and the Safeguard of Public Interest in Nigeria.

Abstract

Information policy is a set of rules and regulations guiding the creation, storage, access, use
and dissemination of information. This paper discusses the concept and importance of
information policy/information security policy. It also identified the relevant stakeholders as
well as regulatory bodies in the information policy implementation process such as ministries
departments and agencies of government in Nigeria. The paper adopted a theoretical
approach by adopting and explaining the public interest theory or regulation in the context of
information policy objectives. Exabeam pie chart as well as Rowe’s corroborative view on
objectives of information policy was highlighted. Roles of information policy regulatory
bodies were discussed. Some related studies on effectiveness of information policy
implementation were clearly stated. Several hindrances to effective implementation of
information policy in Nigeria were identified. The study concluded that Information policy or
Information Security policy is aimed at ensuring equitable access to information by the
public while ensuring safety and protection of information or data classified as harmful or
potentially harmful for public consumption. To ensure the true effectiveness of the policy, the
stakeholders involved in the implementation process must clearly state the policy direction or
purpose it seeks to achieve, adequate and updated technological infrastructures, avoid
compromise as well as inter-agency rivalry among the implementation agencies in Nigeria.