The Federal Executive Council chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari
inside the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, on Wednesday,
approved a new policy on whistle blowing that aims to encourage
Nigerians to report financial and other related crimes to relevant
authorities.
The highlight of the new policy by the Federal Government is that
whistleblowers whose revelations lead to recovery of money will be
entitled to as much as 5% of the recovered sum.
Announcing the new policy to State House correspondents after the
FEC meeting, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, said the policy is
being put in place “in conjunction with the Attorney General of the
Federation and Minister of Justice”.
Adeosun said the programme was designed to encourage anyone with
information about a violation, misconduct or improper activity that
impacts negatively on Nigerians and government to report such.
She said, “If there is a voluntary return of stolen or concealed
public funds or assets on the account of the information provided, the
whistleblower may be entitled to anywhere between 2.5% (minimum) and
5.0% (maximum) of the total amount recovered.
“You must have provided the government with information it does not
already have and could not otherwise obtain from any other publicly
available source to the government.”
Adeosun who disclosed that the policy is a stop gap initiative
until the National Assembly formally passes a law on whistle blowing,
added that the new programme encourages Nigerians with information on
financial crimes to disclose it.
Speaking further, she said the aim is to strengthen the fight
against corruption by the Buhari administration, adding that anyone who
provides information leading to the recovery of fund will be entitled to
not more than 5% of the recovered sum.
Ms. Adeosun said the government will set up a website and provide a
phone number and email for people to use, adding that anonymity and
protection of whistleblowers will also be guaranteed.
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