AfriPulse
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has called for the urgent passage of the Whistleblower Protection Law as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against corruption in the country.
He made the call in Lagos at a nationwide sensitization programme on Whistleblowing Policy Implementation.
Olukoyede, who spoke through the Director, Public Affairs Department of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, described whistleblowing as a globally recognized anti-corruption tool with profound relevance for both the public and private institutions.
He further stated that the policy empowers citizens to participate actively in the fight against corruption while also contributing to the recovery of looted assets.
He said, “Corruption, alongside insecurity, remains one of the most disruptive forces against Nigeria’s political, social, and economic wellbeing.
“The Whistleblowing Policy, launched by the Federal Government in December 2016, provides citizens with the opportunity to disclose credible information on fraud, bribery, looted funds, and other corrupt practices.
“In one breath, it ensures inclusiveness and strengthens the anti-graft fight.”
While highlighting the impact of the policy, Olukoyede noted that within its first two months of operation in 2017, the Federal Government recovered over $178m through whistleblower disclosures.
According to him, the policy, aside enabling assets recovery, also stimulates investigations, facilitates early detection of corrupt practices, inspires public confidence, and promotes transparency and good governance.
The EFCC Chair, however, expressed concern that public enthusiasm for the policy had waned in recent years.
He attributed the seeming disenchantment to the absence of legal protection for whistleblowers, bureaucratic delays in processing incentives, and other procedural challenges.
He, therefore, emphasized the urgent need for a review, modification, and realignment of the policy, adding that “From my experience, the starting point should be the establishment of a solid legal basis.
“A Whistleblower Protection Law, with clear provisions against victimization, transparent reporting channels, and streamlined procedures for payment of incentives. This is a national necessity.”
Speaking further, the anti-corruption czar urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of Nigeria’s pending whistleblower protection bill in line with Article 33 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption UNCAC, which mandates states to protect individuals who report corrupt practices.
While acknowledging the financial incentive component of the policy, Olukoyede appealed to Nigerians to embrace whistleblowing as a patriotic duty rather than a pecuniary pursuit.
He said, “Whistleblowing should be proactive and preventive, not merely reactionary. Citizens must understand that preventing the looting of public funds is far more effective than attempting recovery after the fact, as some looted funds may never be fully recovered.
“The challenge before us is to strengthen the whistleblowing framework through legislation and patriotic action. A bill is already before the National Assembly, and we must intensify consultations to ensure its passage. “
Olukoyede added that the bill, upon passage, would secure a more transparent and accountable Nigeria.
Source: TheWhistler | Read the Full Story…
