Nigeria says $1.6B netted from whistle-blowing policy

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria

Nigeria said on Tuesday that its whistle-blowing has netted some $1.6 billion almost two years after it was introduced, in what the Muhammadu Buhari administration called a big boost to its anti-graft campaign.

The policy has seen several Nigerians blowing the lid on corrupt enrichment and acquisitions by public officials, Information Minister Lai Mohamed told an event in the oil-rich city of Port Harcourt.

“To this end, as at May this year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, through the Whistle Blower Policy, has recovered over 527 billion Nigerian , or $53 million,” according to Mohamed.

The disclosure follows months of calls on the government to disclose the amount so far recovered in its anti-graft campaign, with the opposition calling the anti-graft campaign a tool against its leading lights -- a claim the administration denies.

Launched in December 2016, the whistle-blowing policy involves citizens secretly exposing corruption in the private and public sector, especially official stealing or diverting public funds in exchange for at least 2.5 percent of whatever money is recovered thanks to the expose.

Mohamed called on citizens to continue to support the fight against corruption.

“This effort should not be seen as the sole effort of Mr. President or the government alone. The media has a duty to ensure that the programs of the government, meant to uplift of the citizenry, projected as a national cause and not just as those of Mr. President or the administration,” he said.