Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has called on the National Assembly to enact comprehensive whistleblower protection laws to strengthen the country’s anti-corruption framework.
Olukoyede made the appeal in Calabar during a nationwide sensitisation programme on the implementation of Nigeria’s whistleblowing policy.
Speaking on the theme, “Benefits of the Whistleblowing Policy in the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria,” the EFCC boss emphasised that the absence of a robust legal framework continues to expose whistleblowers to risks, including victimisation and bureaucratic bottlenecks in accessing financial rewards tied to disclosures.
He stressed the urgent need for legislation that would guarantee the safety of individuals who expose corruption, noting that such protections are critical to sustaining public participation in anti-graft efforts.
“I reiterate that we need a robust Act of the National Assembly to protect those who risk their lives to make disclosures on corruption.
“It is depressing that in a region where deeply rooted corruption undermines development efforts, only Ghana and Senegal have enacted whistleblower protection laws within ECOWAS,” he said.
Olukoyede, who was represented at the event by Oshodi Johnson, Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC in Uyo, also urged citizens to view whistleblowing beyond financial incentives.
According to him, the policy should primarily serve as a preventive mechanism...
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