Whistleblowing Policy: FG Commences Nationwide Sensitization Programme to Combat Corruption

Whistleblowing Policy: FG Commences Nationwide Sensitization Programme to Combat Corruption

The Federal Government through the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), has organized a two-day nationwide sensitization programme on the implementation of Nigeria’s Whistleblowing Policy. The programme, which took place in Lagos on September 17-18, 2025, aimed to raise public awareness and strengthen the policy’s effectiveness.

The sensitization programme which brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, anti-corruption agencies, and private sector representatives, provided a platform for discussion, education, and creation of awareness on the importance of whistleblowing in combating corruption, promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in the management of public resources.

Government officials at the event highlighted that the current administration is working to enhance the policy, which was first approved in 2016 during the late President Muhammadu
Buhari-led Administration.

Addressing systemic challenges, the officials also acknowledged obstacles that have hindered effective implementation, such as low public awareness and cultural resistance to reporting misconduct.

The event in Lagos was part of a larger, ongoing effort by the Federal Government to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

Declaring the event open on Wednesday, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr. Wale Edun stated that “the Whistleblowing Policy is designed to encourage the reporting of suspicious activities or wrongdoing related to financial crimes, mismanagement of public funds, or other illicit activities within the public or private sectors.*

Represented by the Permanent Secretary Special Duties of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Raymond Omenka Omachi, the Minister highlighted the programme’s objectives to include educating stakeholders on the policy’s framework and implementation guidelines, highlighting the importance of whistleblowing in combating corruption, promoting transparency, and providing insights into the procedures for reporting suspicious activities as well as the protections available to whistleblowers.

He informed that the Nation Wide Sensitization Programme commenced in Lagos, as the major commercial hub that has a consistent sound financial management system, and therefore urged all stakeholders to participate actively in enforcing compliance of the policy, while reaffirming Government’s commitment to ensuring the protection of whistle blowers.

In his keynote address, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu called for the review of the Whistleblowers Protection Bill to shield informants and institutionalize the policy for rebuilding public trust.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Taxation, Abdul-kabir Opeyemi Ogunbo, the Governor emphasized that the State was fully committed to strengthening inter- corruption agencies to ensure strict compliance.

He encouraged residents to use the initiative to report infractions, emphasizing that it was a way to protect the financial system and the state’s integrity. Sanwo-Olu
stressed that the policy provides for the confidentiality and protection of whistleblowers against retaliation.

In their separate remarks, the Lagos State, Commissioner of Police and the Auditor General of the Federation, lauded the whistle blowing initiative of the Federal Government. They called for active participation from all stakeholders, as it is a tool of the government to fight corruption.

According to a statement issued by the Finance Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, the event featured lecture presentations, interactive sessions with relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), as well as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the initiative, highlighting that the economic recovery already achieved through the system was enormous.

While encouraging stronger synergies with concerned agencies, the Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Deputy Director PICA , Mr. Oludare John appreciated all stakeholders for their individual and collective support for the actualization of the policy.