Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka Anite
Whistleblowing policy of the Federal Government, launched in December 2016 under the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has so far helped Nigeria to recover over ₦800 billion in looted public funds.
This disclosure was made by the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, during a one-day nationwide sensitisation programme on the implementation of the Whistleblowing Policy, held in Sokoto.
Speaking at the event, which took place at the Sokoto Pinnacle Guest Inn Resort, Dr Uzoka-Anite explained that the programme was organised to sensitise stakeholders and encourage them to report cases of fraud, bribery, looted government funds, financial misconduct, theft, and other forms of corruption.
Addressing participants virtually, the minister re-emphasised the importance of the initiative, noting that it would not only help identify existing gaps but also enable authorities to develop “a realistic and achievable roadmap for the future.”
While acknowledging the numerous challenges facing the implementation of the policy, she assured that the government would not be deterred.
She appealed to Nigerians to collaborate with relevant authorities in exposing corruption at all levels and urged the Sokoto State Government to domesticate and institutionalise the whistleblowing policy within the state.
Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Musa, described whistleblowers as “guardians of integrity” who must be strengthened and protected.
According to him, whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing wrongdoing and safeguarding public resources.
Also speaking, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, represented by the State Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Jabbi Shagari, said his administration has zero tolerance for public embezzlement.
He stressed that the state government would continue to complement the Federal Government’s efforts in strengthening the whistleblowing policy.
The governor, who reiterated his “Money or Work” policy, said the initiative has continued to keep public office holders and contractors in check, assuring that his administration remains committed to delivering good governance to the people of the state.
In a paper titled: “ _The Benefits of Whistleblowing Policy in the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria,”_ the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, represented by Kamilu Ibrahim Gebi, Head of Public Affairs of the EFCC Sokoto Zonal Directorate, observed that public enthusiasm for whistleblowing has declined in recent times.
He said: “It is needful to stress that, though the policy drew massive public buy-in at the early stage by the EFCC, its attractiveness quickly diminished, thus making reviews, modification and realignment of the policy imperative, especially for the sake of the boost it gives to the anti-corruption fight.”
Continuing, the EFCC chairman made a passionate appeal to the National Assembly to urgently pass a law that would protect individuals who risk their lives to expose corruption and related offences.
He noted that adequate legal protection would encourage more citizens to come forward with credible information in support of the country’s anti-graft campaign.
