Stakeholders advocating for the promotion of the whistleblowing policy in Nigeria have expressed concerns about its perceived abandonment. At a conference in Abuja, they emphasized the need for strategic engagement to revive the policy’s effectiveness.
The Coordinator of AFRICMIL, Dr Chido Onumah, highlighted the importance of whistleblowing in fighting corruption and protecting human rights. He lamented the lack of attention to the policy and the absence of proper protection for whistleblowers.
Despite the initial success of the policy in uncovering corruption and promoting accountability, whistleblowers have faced retaliation and lack of support, leading to a decline in disclosures and the belief that the policy is no longer active.
The workshop aims to address these challenges, advocate for whistleblower protection laws, and strengthen freedom of expression and access to information in Nigeria. Strategic partnerships with key stakeholders are seen as crucial in reversing the negative perception of the whistleblowing policy.