Right of access to information and its limitation by national security

The right of access to information and national security are usually conceived of as being perpetually in conflict. Using David Held¿s 'Models of Democracy' to synthesise a theoretical and analytical framework, this book evaluates the avowed justifications for statutory authorisations of national security limitations to the right of access to information under Nigerian law. Upon critical evaluation, Nigeria's domestic law (constitutional and statutory) on access to information and its national security limits fall short or are non-compliant with the United Nations and African access to information norms including authoritative interpretive jurisprudence, emerging States' practice and relevant supplemental soft laws relating thereto. Relevant recommendations made to fill these gaps include the adoption of a clearer constitutional framework on access to information and a precise statutory definition of national security in Nigerian law. Human rights lawyers and activists, academics, researchers, policy makers and other interested readers will find this book extremely useful, stimulating and informative.