The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards enhancing the effectiveness of its whistle blowing policy by developing a draft bill to provide legal backing and protection for whistleblowers. This move aims to 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 whistle blowing policy in Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance.
He noted that the policy has already shown promise, with significant recoveries made since its inception in 2016.
HM Edun informed that the draft bill being prepared, which is expected to be presented to the National Assembly, seeks to provide a robust legal framework for the protection of whistleblowers and ensure that reports are handled with confidentiality and prompt action.
He said that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration is committed to ensuring that the policy is pursued with strict compliance with the rule of law to achieve transparency and accountability in governance.
The whistle blowing 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 in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance Mr Okokon Ekanem Udo stated that the Whistle blowing 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. It is aimed at empowering citizens to report to the relevant authorities about identified misappropriation of public funds and other fraudulent activities, thereby contributing immensely towards institutionalisation of transparency and accountability in governance.
However, like other policies of government, Udo said, the implementation of the policy has encountered some challenges. At the initial stage, there was 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 said.
He informed that the sensitization workshop is designed not only to deepen our understanding of Whistleblowing policy in Nigeria but also to foster cooperation among the key stakeholders, which include the implementing team, the Civil Society Organisations, as well as members of the media.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, said that it is imperative to focus on strengthening the protection of whistleblowers and safeguard their identities. This, she said, will encourage more individuals to come forward and contribute to the fight against corruption and misconduct.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Human Resources Mr Olusola Dada also observed the need for improving Reporting Mechanism so as 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.
Mrs Jafiya emphasized that the journey towards an effective Whistle blowing 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 re-invigoration of the Whistle blowing policy, the government aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public finances and preserve 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.
The one day sensitization workshop is themed: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward.
Signed
Mohammed Manga FCIA
Director, Information and Public Relations
