From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Federal Government is set to improve 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, disclosed this at a one-day sensitization workshop on the policy’s implementation in Abuja on Wednesday.
Edun said the initiative is designed to address existing challenges in the policy’s execution and to encourage more individuals to report corruption and misconduct in government affairs.
He highlighted the policy’s successes, noting that since its launch in 2016, 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 create a robust legal framework to protect whistleblowers, ensuring their reports are managed confidentially and acted upon swiftly.
Edun emphasized that the administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is dedicated to upholding the rule of law to enhance transparency and accountability.
“The policy does provide mechanisms for protection and it is our duty to uphold these provisions and support those who come forward in the interest of the public.
“Those who are public-spirited, brave, courageous, committed, and determined to do the right thing must, should, and will be protected.
“It is a fact that a successful whistleblowing policy involves receiving verifiable reports, conducting thorough investigations to authenticate them, and taking appropriate action to enforce compliance with the law,”. He stated.
Permanent Secretary Special Duties at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Okokon Ekanem Udo, acknowledged the policy’s role in exposing corruption since its inception but noted the need to sustain public enthusiasm. He emphasized that the sensitization 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 a collective effort to build an environment of integrity and accountability, urging participants to turn the insights gained into actionable steps.
