FG Recovers N83Bn, $609m, €5.5m From Whistleblowing Policy In Seven Years
By Sunday Etuka, Abuja
The Federal Government has declared that it recovered a total sum of N83,019,178,375.86; $609,083,391.91, and 5,494,743.71 Euros from the whistleblowing policy since its introduction in 2016.
However, it said, more needs to be done to encourage Nigerians to own the fight against corruption and report financial misappropriation.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun who disclosed this while speaking at a one-day sensitization workshop on the implementation of the whistleblowing policy in Nigeria, emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance.
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.
The Director, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mohammed Manga in a statement quoted the Minister as saying that the President Bola 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.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance Mr Okokon Ekanem Udo stated that the Whistleblowing 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 Whistleblowing 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 Whistleblowing 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
