Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anyete, has revealed that the whistleblowing policy of the Federal Government, launched in 2016 under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari to expose corruption, has led to the recovery of over N800 billion in looted funds.
Uzoka-Enite made the revelation in Sokoto during a one-day nationwide sensitization program on the implementation of the whistleblowing policy in Nigeria.
He explained that the sensitization initiative was designed to identify the existing shortcomings in the implementation of the policy and develop a realistic and achievable roadmap to further strengthen it.
The minister acknowledged the challenges facing the policy but stressed that the federal government remains steadfast.
He called on citizens to cooperate with relevant authorities in exposing corruption at all levels and urged the Sokoto State Government to domesticate and institutionalize the whistleblowing policy at the state level.
In his remarks, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, described the whistleblowers as guardians of integrity rather than mere informers.
He stressed the need to strengthen the mechanisms that protect them, noting that their role is vital in exposing wrongdoing and safeguarding public resources.
Also speaking, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Jabbi Shagari, reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance towards public embezzlement.
He assured that the state government will continue to complement federal efforts to strengthen the whistleblowing policy.
The Governor reaffirmed the “money or work” stance of his administration in holding public office holders and contractors accountable, adding that his government is committed to giving good governance to the people of the state.
Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, while delivering a paper titled “Benefits of Whistleblowing Policy in the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria”, said the public's enthusiasm for whistleblowing has diminished in recent times.
Olukodere, represented by Kamilu Ibrahim Gabi, Head of Public Affairs, Sokoto EFCC Regional Directorate, observed that although the policy initially enjoyed wide public support, it has diminished over time, especially through the agency, making review, revision and restructuring necessary to reinvigorate its impact on the anti-corruption campaign.
Olukoyede also urged the National Assembly to urgently pass laws that will provide adequate protection to individuals who risk their lives to expose corruption.
