The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has renewed calls for the speedy passage of the Whistleblower Protection Law to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-graft war.
Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday at a nationwide sensitisation programme on whistleblowing policy implementation, Olukoyede—represented by the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Commander CE Wilson Uwujaren—described whistleblowing as a globally recognised tool against corruption with significant relevance for both public and private institutions.
He noted that the policy empowers citizens to participate in the fight against corruption while aiding the recovery of stolen assets. “Corruption, alongside insecurity, remains one of the most disruptive forces against Nigeria’s political, social, and economic wellbeing,” he said.
Olukoyede recalled that the whistleblowing policy, introduced in December 2016, helped the Federal Government recover more than $178 million within its first two months in 2017. Beyond asset recovery, he stressed, the policy has spurred investigations, boosted early detection of corrupt practices, and promoted transparency.
However, he expressed concern that public enthusiasm for whistleblowing has declined, citing lack of legal protection for whistleblowers, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and delays in processing incentives.
“The starting point should be the establishment of a solid legal basis,” Olukoyede stated. “A Whistleblower Protection Law, with clear provisions against victimisation, transparent reporting channels, and streamlined procedures for payment of incentives, is a national necessity.”
He urged the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the pending bill in line with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which mandates protection for individuals who report corrupt practices.
While acknowledging the incentive element, the EFCC boss appealed to Nigerians to see whistleblowing as a patriotic duty. “Preventing the looting of public funds is far more effective than attempting recovery after the fact, as some looted funds may never be fully recovered,” he warned.
Olukoyede stressed that passing the bill would secure a more transparent and accountable Nigeria.
