Amid growing concerns over the recurring punitive measures taken against patriotic Nigerians who voluntarily expose corrupt individuals, stakeholders have demanded increased protection for whistleblowers to promote the reporting of corrupt practices in the country.
They made the appeal at the policy roundtable with theme: “Towards a Whistleblower Protection Law in Nigeria,” held in Abuja yesterday.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Chido Onumah, the Coordinator of the African Center for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), expressed his concern that instead of encouraging whistleblowers’ involvement in the fight against corruption, they often face hindrance from those whose interests they threaten.
Onumah highlighted that in Nigeria, whistleblowers lack a safe and enabling legal environment that allows them to report wrongdoing without fear of reprisals.
“The absence of effective access to information laws that would enable citizens to obtain information held by public institutions and empower them to hold powerful individuals and entities accountable.
” The lack of effective and independent judicial institutions capable of providing access to justice and effective remedies for human rights violations exacerbates the situation.”
Dr. Onumah emphasized that despite efforts to enact a whistleblower protection law in Nigeria since the introduction of the Whistleblowing Policy by the Federal Government in December 2016, success has remained elusive.
He noted that while many jurisdictions in Africa and around the world are adopting whistleblower protection laws, only about ten out of 55 African countries have specific laws to protect whistleblowers.
Kole Shettima, the Director, Africa Office of the MacArthur Foundation, expressed his belief in the value of whistleblowing as a tool in the fight against corruption.
He acknowledged the challenges and setbacks faced by whistleblowers, particularly in terms of legal protection.
Shettima said “The importance of ensuring the safety and protection of individuals who engage in whistleblowing activities is a collective concern.”
Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) affirmed the body’s commitment to advocating for the safety, protection, and welfare of whistleblowers.
He referred to whistleblowers as the true heroes of transparency and called on the Senate and the House of Representatives to promptly pass the whistleblower protection bill that has been stalled in the National Assembly.
“We assure you that your actions contribute to building a more accountable and equitable Nigeria, and we are proud to have you as a partner in this noble endeavor,” Orji stated.
