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Business
September 18, 2025 by Nduka Chiejina, Abuja
The Federal Government has commenced a nationwide sensitisation programme on the implementation of Nigeria’s Whistleblowing Policy, beginning with Lagos, the country’s commercial hub.
The programme, organised through the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), is part of efforts to deepen transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said the policy is intended to create an enabling environment for reporting misconduct across both the public and private sectors.
“The whistleblowing policy is designed to encourage the reporting of suspicious activities or wrongdoing related to financial crimes, mismanagement of public funds, or other illicit activities within the public or private sectors,” Edun stated.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omenka Omachi, explained that the sensitisation aims to educate stakeholders on the policy’s framework, procedures for reporting, and the protections available to whistleblowers.
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According to a statement from the ministry on Thursday, Lagos was chosen as the first stop in the nationwide exercise because of its strong financial management structures.
Edun urged stakeholders to take ownership of the process, stressing that the government is committed to protecting individuals who come forward with credible information.
The sensitisation attracted stakeholders from government agencies, anti-corruption bodies, and the private sector. Discussions centred on raising awareness, addressing systemic challenges, and building a stronger culture of transparency and accountability.
Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Taxation, Abdul-Kabir Opeyemi Ogunbo, called for the review of the Whistleblowers Protection Bill to provide stronger legal backing.
“The policy provides for the confidentiality and protection of whistleblowers against retaliation. Lagos State is fully committed to strengthening inter-agency collaboration to ensure strict compliance,” Sanwo-Olu said. He encouraged residents to use the initiative as a tool to safeguard the financial system and restore public trust.
The Lagos Commissioner of Police and the Auditor-General of the Federation commended the initiative and called for greater public participation to ensure its success.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, assured that the ministry would continue to drive the sustainability of the initiative. She noted that economic recovery efforts have already recorded positive results through the system, and urged stronger collaboration among concerned agencies.
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