The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called for the prompt passage of a Whistleblower Protection Law to invigorate Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
The anti-graft agency in a statement posted on its social media page on Thursday said the Commission’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the appeal at a nationwide sensitization programme on the Whistleblowing Policy Implementation in Lagos.
Speaking through the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Commander Wilson Uwujaren, Olukoyede described whistleblowing as a crucial anti-corruption tool globally recognised for its significance in both public and private sectors.
He highlighted that the policy empowers citizens to actively participate in the anti-graft war and contributes significantly to the recovery of looted assets. Olukoyede emphasised that corruption and insecurity are major obstacles to Nigeria’s progress.
He noted that the Federal Government’s Whistleblowing Policy, launched in December 2016, allows citizens to report credible information on fraud and other corrupt practices.
He pointed out the policy’s initial success, citing the recovery of over $178 million in just its first two months of operation in 2017.
Olukoyede also stated that the policy helps in early detection of corrupt practices, promotes transparency, and builds public confidence. Despite its proven impact, Olukoyede expressed concern over the recent decline in public interest in the policy.
He attributed this “disenchantment” to several issues, including the lack of legal protection for whistleblowers, delays in processing their incentives, and other procedural hurdles.
To address these challenges, the EFCC chair stressed the urgent need to review and modify the policy. He stated that the most crucial first step is to establish a solid legal foundation for the framework.
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“A Whistleblower Protection Law, with clear provisions against victimization, transparent reporting channels, and streamlined procedures for payment of incentives. This is a national necessity,” Olukoyede said. He urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the pending whistleblower protection bill.
This action, he noted, aligns with Article 33 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which mandates member states to protect individuals who report corrupt activities.
While acknowledging the financial incentive aspect of the policy, Mr. Olukoyede appealed to Nigerians to see whistleblowing as a patriotic duty rather than just a way to make money.
He encouraged a proactive and preventive approach to whistleblowing, arguing that stopping the looting of public funds is far more effective than trying to recover them after the fact, as some assets may be lost forever.
“The challenge before us is to strengthen the whistleblowing framework through legislation and patriotic action,” he said, adding that the bill’s passage would lead to a more transparent and accountable Nigeria.
