ABUJA- Mr. Adedoyin Lafinhan, the Director, National Archives of Nigeria, has cautioned private and public institutions to be on the look out for fake archivists.

Lafinahan told newsmen in Abuja at the weekend that some non-archival experts were presenting themselves to organisations as experts in archival and record keeping matters.
He warned that organisations which transacted business with such individuals might be susceptible to fraud.

He called on ministries and agencies in public and private sectors to acquaint themselves with the law governing archival practice in the country- the National Archives Act of 1992.

The director said the safeguarding of all archives of the Federal Government and other related historical records had been entrusted to the National Archives of Nigeria by law.
He said the department, domiciled in the Information and Communications Ministry, had stepped up efforts toward ensuring that its role and function became more visible.

“Considering that plans are underway to grant the National Archives a parastatal status, we have been visiting organisations to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Act establishing the National Archives.

“So far we have received much collaboration from such organisations as Chevron, Shell Petroleum Company, Mobil and Schlumberger, ”he said.

Meanwhile a communique issued at the end of a senior management meeting of the National Archives of Nigeria has urged the National Assembly to ensure the passage of the bill on the reforms of the department.

The management, in the communique, commended the efforts being made by the Information and Communications Minister, Mr. John Odey, at repositioning the department for greater effectiveness.

“ The department appreciates the effort of the Federal Executive Council for the prompt attention and approval for an autonomous status,” it said.