ABUJA, Feb 15 (Reuters) – Nigeria has recovered more than 800 billion naira ($520 million) through its whistleblowing policy since the program began in late 2016, the Minister of State for Finance said on Saturday.
Doris Uzoka-Anite disclosed the figure during a sensitisation event on the policy in Sokoto, northwest Nigeria. She said the recoveries resulted from tips provided by citizens reporting fraud, theft of public funds, bribery, and other financial misconduct.
The policy was introduced in December 2016 under former President Muhammadu Buhari as part of government efforts to combat corruption and improve accountability in public financial management.
Uzoka-Anite spoke virtually at the Sokoto event, which brought together participants from government agencies, civil society, and private sector groups. She said the program aimed to help stakeholders identify gaps in the current framework and develop a roadmap for better implementation.
The minister acknowledged challenges facing the policy but stated the government remained committed to its anti-corruption drive. She called on citizens to cooperate with authorities and report corrupt activities. She also urged the Sokoto State Government to adopt and institutionalise the policy at the state level.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented at the event by Sokoto State Commissioner of Police Ahmad Musa, said whistleblowers play a critical role in protecting public resources. He called for stronger measures to ensure their safety and support.
Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, represented by Finance Commissioner Muhammad Jabbi Shagari, reiterated his administration's zero tolerance for embezzlement. He said the state would continue to support federal efforts to strengthen the policy. Shagari noted that the governor's "Money or Work" approach had helped monitor public officials and contractors while promoting accountable governance.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Kamilu Ibrahim Gebi from the EFCC Sokoto office, said public interest in whistleblowing had declined in recent years. He explained that while the policy initially received strong public support, its appeal faded over time.
Olukoyede said this decline made it necessary to review and update the policy to maintain its role in anti-corruption efforts. He appealed to the National Assembly to urgently pass legislation providing adequate protection for whistleblowers who risk their safety to expose wrongdoing.
The whistleblowing policy allows individuals to report information about financial crimes or theft of public assets to government agencies. Informants whose tips lead to asset recovery can receive between 2.5 percent and 5 percent of the amount recovered, subject to conditions.
Government data shows the policy has led to the recovery of cash and assets including real estate, vehicles, and bank funds since its launch. Authorities have faced criticism over delays in paying rewards to some whistleblowers, an issue officials say they are addressing.
The event in Sokoto was part of nationwide efforts to raise awareness about the policy and encourage more citizens to report corruption cases.