President Bola Tinubu is set to present a new whistleblowing policy to the National Assembly for legislative action, according to Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Edun made this announcement on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting titled “Implementing the Whistle-Blowing Policy in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and the Way Forward.”
Edun emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, urging Nigerians to support the policy’s implementation. “The policy provides mechanisms for protection, and it is our duty to uphold these provisions and support those who come forward in the interest of the public,” Edun stated. He stressed that individuals who are public-spirited and courageous in exposing wrongdoing would be protected under the policy.
Highlighting the policy’s framework, Edun outlined that a successful whistleblowing initiative involves receiving verifiable reports, conducting thorough investigations, and taking appropriate actions to ensure compliance with the law. The minister noted that the policy is a crucial part of the government’s strategy to promote integrity within Nigeria’s public institutions.
Edun further explained that the whistleblowing policy aims to empower Nigerians to act as watchdogs over public institutions, ensuring that they remain accountable, especially regarding the management of public funds and resources. He called on citizens to actively participate in safeguarding the nation’s interests by reporting any suspected corruption or financial misconduct.
The introduction of the whistleblowing policy is a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in Nigeria, fostering an environment where public institutions operate with integrity and are answerable to the people they serve.