Since the Buhari administration came into power, the war against corruption has been advanced as a result of the efforts of whistleblowers. According to the federal government, over 11.6 billion naira has been recovered as a result of whistleblowers and this resulted in a payout of N375.8 million to 20 whistleblowers which marks the first payments under the policy.
Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun explained that the payments are taxable and only made upon confirmation of the final recovery of related assets and confirmation by the Attorney-General of the Federation that the funds are free of legal dispute.
The policy, which is part of the government’s anti-corruption campaign, has resulted in the government receiving about 2,150 communications and 337 tips through the Whistleblower Unit’s dedicated channels from various Nigerians.
The Minister also went on to give details of the Whistleblower Unit, a multi-agency team resident in the Ministry of Finance Headquarters.
The unit is staffed by personnel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), State Security Services (SSS), the Nigeria Police Force and Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), among others.