Nigeria’s whistleblowing policy has enabled the recovery of over N800 billion in looted funds since its launch in December 2016, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, has said.
She disclosed this in Sokoto during her remarks at a one-day nationwide sensitisation programme on the implementation of the Whistleblowing Policy in Nigeria.
Dr Uzoka-Anite explained that the policy, introduced under former President Muhammadu Buhari to expose corruption, has strengthened accountability by encouraging citizens to report financial crimes.
The event, held at Sokoto Pinnacle Guest Inn Resort, brought together participants from diverse sectors to sensitise and encourage them to report fraud, bribery, looted public funds, financial misconduct, theft, and other forms of corruption.
Addressing participants virtually, the minister reiterated the importance of the programme, noting that it would help identify gaps and develop a realistic and achievable roadmap for the future.
While acknowledging challenges confronting the policy’s implementation, she stressed that authorities would not be deterred and urged stakeholders to collaborate with relevant agencies to expose corruption at all levels. She also appealed to the Sokoto State Government to domesticate and institutionalise the whistleblowing policy at the state level.
Earlier, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun — represented by the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Musa — described whistleblowers as guardians of integrity who help protect public resources by exposing wrongdoing.
Speaking separately, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu — represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Muhammad Jabbi Shagari — said his administration does not condone public embezzlement and would continue to complement federal efforts to strengthen the whistleblowing framework in the state.
The governor said his “Money or Work” stance has kept public office holders and contractors in check, assuring residents that his administration remains committed to delivering good governance.
Presenting a paper titled The Benefits of Whistleblowing Policy in the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede — represented by the Sokoto Zonal Head of Public Affairs, Kamilu Ibrahim Gebi — observed that public enthusiasm for whistleblowing had declined in recent years.
He noted that although the policy initially enjoyed strong public support, its attractiveness waned over time, making review, modification and realignment necessary to sustain its impact on the anti-corruption fight. He further urged the National Assembly to expedite passage of legislation to protect individuals who risk their lives by disclosing corruption.
