STAKEHOLDERS have called for stronger legal frameworks across West Africa to safeguard whistleblowers and boost the fight against corruption.

The stakeholders made the call on Tuesday, November 26, at a two-day conference, organised by African Centre For Media And Information Literacy (AFRICMI)

The call came as the region continues to grapple with systemic corruption that hinders economic growth, stability, and democratic development and also the increasing witch-hunting of whistleblowers.

In a keynote address, Etannibi Alemika, a professor and a stakeholder on anti-corruption and governance, highlighted how corruption continued to stifle economic growth, security, and democratic processes in the region.

Alemika pointed to the crucial role that whistleblowers play in exposing corrupt practices, which he said often prevent financial losses and inefficiencies before they escalate.

However, he cautioned that without robust legal protection, whistleblowers in many West African countries face retaliation, intimidation, and harm, deterring citizens from coming forward to expose corrupt practices.

Despite the adoption of anti-corruption measures like the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and regional agreements, Alemika noted that many countries in West Africa had yet to establish solid frameworks to protect those who expose corruption.

He pointed out the shortcomings of Nigeria’s Whistleblower Policy, which, despite being a step in the right direction, has...

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