Ebun Francis
The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun on Wednesday said the Federal Government has approved a new policy on whistle blowing that aims to encourage Nigerians to report financial and other related crimes to relevant authorities. The main underlying feature of the policy is that whistleblowers will be entitled to as much as 5 per cent of the recovered sum from such revelations.
The Minister spoke to State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari. The policy according to her is being put in place “in conjunction with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice” as a stop gap measure until the National Assembly formally passes a law on whistle blowing.
“If you whistle blow in public-spirit and in good faith, you will be protected. If you feel that you have been treated badly because of your report, you can file a formal complaint,” she said
“If you have suffered harassment, intimidation or victimisation for sharing your concerns, restitution will be made for any loss suffered.”
She added that “If you have already submitted your information, you can also check the status of your report on the portal”.
The types of information to be submitted, according to the Minister include- mismanagement or misappropriation of public funds and assets financial malpractice or fraud, collecting / soliciting bribes, fraudulent and unapproved payments, splitting of contracts and procurement fraud (kickbacks and over-invoicing etc.)
Adeosun added that whistleblower could be government employees; inter-government stakeholders, institutional stakeholders and members of the public.