Nigeria lacks whistleblower protection laws, CSO urges FG to act
Step Up Nigeria, a civil society organisation, urged the Federal Government and policymakers to establish a comprehensive legal framework for whistleblower protection, marking World Whistleblower Day 2026. The CSO highlighted that Nigeria still lacks such legislation despite years of attempts, and estimated that over N3 trillion in looted funds could have been recovered with stronger laws. Oluwaferanmi Iyanda, Director of Programmes at Step Up Nigeria, stressed the need to change perceptions of whistleblowing from betrayal to courageous acts that strengthen democracy. She called on young people to advocate for legal reforms and act as watchdogs against corruption.
This issue matters because whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing corruption and mismanagement of public funds. Without legal safeguards, potential whistleblowers may remain silent due to fear of retaliation, allowing corrupt practices to persist. The estimated N3 trillion loss underscores the economic impact of ineffective whistleblower mechanisms. Engaging youth is seen as vital for sustainable advocacy and accountability.
Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) warned that false whistleblowing motivated by malice or financial gain is a criminal offence punishable by jail terms. However, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale assured that the commission has internal frameworks to protect credible whistleblowers while awaiting stronger legal backing. This highlights the tension between encouraging responsible disclosures and preventing abuse.
As Nigeria grapples with corruption, what steps should citizens take to support ethical whistleblowing without falling prey to false reporting? Should legal reforms focus more on protection or on penalties for false allegations? Balancing these aspects is key to an effective accountability system.