The Federal Government is set to enhance its whistleblowing policy by introducing a new draft bill aimed at providing comprehensive legal protection for whistleblowers.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, announced this during a one-day sensitization workshop on the policy’s implementation in Abuja on Wednesday.
Edun explained that the initiative is designed to address existing challenges in the policy’s execution and to encourage more individuals to report corruption and misconduct within government operations.
He highlighted the policy’s successes since its launch in 2016, noting that significant recoveries have been made, including over N83 billion, $609 million, and approximately 5.5 million euros.
The upcoming draft bill, which will soon be presented to the National Assembly, aims to establish a robust legal framework to protect whistleblowers, ensuring their reports are handled confidentially and acted upon promptly.
Edun emphasized the Tinubu administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, transparency, and accountability.
“The policy provides mechanisms for protection, and it is our duty to uphold these provisions and support those who come forward in the public interest,” Edun stated. “Those who are public-spirited, brave, and determined to do the right thing must, should, and will be protected. A successful whistleblowing policy involves receiving verifiable reports, conducting thorough investigations, and enforcing compliance with the law.”
Mr. Okokon Ekanem Udo, Permanent Secretary Special Duties at the Federal Ministry of Finance, acknowledged the policy’s role in exposing corruption since its inception but noted the need to sustain public enthusiasm. He emphasized that the workshop aims to deepen understanding of the policy and foster collaboration among stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations and the media.
In her closing remarks, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, represented by Director of Human Resources Mr. Olusola Dada, stressed the importance of strengthening whistleblower protection and improving reporting mechanisms. She called for collective efforts to build an environment of integrity and accountability, urging participants to turn the insights gained into actionable steps.
