SECTOR 1 the FOI covers State institutions has slowed its implementation across the country. Keepers of public information and records also frequently use the Official Secrets Act to deny the release of information. Other excuses include the perpetual absence from duty of the official responsible for responding to FOI requests. In spite of the shortcomings in its implementation, the public still sees the existence of the FOI Act as a major improvement on the past. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.6 (2008: 1.6; 2011: 2.9) 1.8 Websites, blogs and other digital platforms are not required to register with, or obtain permission, from state authorities. In the absence of any law or regulation, individuals and institutions in Nigerian can create and run websites, blogs and other digital platforms without seeking authorisation. Citizens are now required to register their SIM cards before accessing mobile telephony services, but it is hard to argue that this constitutes a restriction to producing and distributing digital content. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 20 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER NIGERIA 2015 4.6 (2008: N/A; 2011: 4.7)