By Anthony Otaru, Abuja
Worried by the rate of corruption witnessed daily in governance, the Federal Government has taken significant steps to enhance the effectiveness of its whistleblowing policy by developing a draft bill to provide legal backing and protection for whistle-blowers.
The move will further address the challenges hindering the policy’s implementation and encourage more individuals to report corruption and misconduct in the conduct of government businesses.
Speaking at a one-day sensitization workshop on the implementation of the whistleblowing policy in Nigeria, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance, noting that the policy has already shown promise, with significant recoveries made since its inception in 2016.
Edun stressed that the draft bill is expected to be presented to the National Assembly soon to seek provision for a robust legal framework for the protection of whistle-blowers and ensure that reports are handled with confidentiality and prompt action.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration was committed to ensuring that the policy was pursued with strict compliance with the rule of law to achieve transparency and accountability in governance.
The whistleblowing policy, according to him, has recovered funds totalling N83,019,178,375.86; $609,083,391.91; 5,494,743.71 Euros between 2017 and 2023.
“However, the government acknowledges that more needs to be done to encourage Nigerians to own the fight against corruption and report financial misappropriation,” Edun said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance Mr Okokon Ekanem Udo, in his welcome remarks, stated that the Whistleblowing policy, since its inception in December 2016, has proven to be one of the veritable tools in uncovering corrupt practices within the public and private sectors.
Udo stressed that it aimed at empowering citizens to report to relevant authorities about identified misappropriation of public funds and other fraudulent activities, thereby contributing immensely towards institutionalization of transparency and accountability in governance.
However, like other policies of the government, Udo said the implementation of the policy has encountered some challenges adding: “At the initial stage, there was a wide-spread enthusiasm on the part of Nigerians about the introduction of the policy. The momentum and popularity that heralded its introduction need to be reinforced and sustained.”
He explained that the sensitization workshop was designed not only to deepen understanding of the Whistleblowing policy in Nigeria but to also foster cooperation among the key stakeholders, which include the implementing team, the Civil Society Organisations (CSO), as well as members of the media.
The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, in her closing remarks, said it was imperative to focus on strengthening the protection of whistleblowers and safeguarding their identities.
This, she said, would encourage more people to come forward and contribute to the fight against corruption and misconduct.
Mrs Jafiya, who was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Human Resources, Mr. Olusola Dada, observed the need to improve reporting mechanisms to make reporting channels more accessible, user-friendly, and effective. “It is essential that these mechanisms not only facilitate the reporting of concerns but also ensure that those concerns are addressed promptly and transparently,” she said
She emphasized that the journey towards an effective Whistleblowing regime is a collaborative effort. “Each of us has a role to play in nurturing an environment where integrity and accountability thrive. Let us take the knowledge and enthusiasm generated today and translate it into concrete actions that drive positive change,” Jafiya stressed
“With the reinvigoration of the whistleblowing policy, the government is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public finances and preserving the country’s assets.
“The draft bill is a significant step towards achieving this goal and demonstrates the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and promoting good governance,” she added.
The one-day sensitization workshop is themed: “Issues, challenges, and way forward.”
