FG reaffirms commitment to safeguarding whistleblowers

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting whistleblowers from potential retaliation by ensuring their reports are handled with strict confidentiality.

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, made this known during a sensitization workshop on the implementation of Nigeria’s Whistle-blowing Policy held on Wednesday in Abuja.

Edun emphasized that the objective is to facilitate the smooth execution of the policy.

The workshop, themed “Implementation of the Whistle-blowing Policy in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Way Forward,” focused on raising public awareness, ensuring whistleblower protection, and establishing an effective response mechanism.

Despite the policy’s successes, Edun acknowledged that public misconceptions still exist, making stakeholder engagement crucial to clarify its purpose and benefits.

“To ensure the smooth operation of the whistle-blowing policy, the government is dedicated to protecting whistleblowers from potential reprisals by treating their reports with utmost confidentiality. The policy outlines mechanisms for this protection, and it is our duty to uphold these provisions and support those who come forward,” Edun said.

He added that the success of the policy depends on receiving verifiable reports, conducting thorough investigations, and taking appropriate action in line with existing laws.

Edun also noted that the policy is part of the government’s broader strategy to promote integrity and accountability in public institutions, stating, “It is our collective duty to create an environment where citizens feel confident and safe to report unethical or illegal activities that could hinder the nation’s development.”