FG Pays Whistle Blowers N376m

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BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has announced the payment of N375.8 million to the first batch of 20 providers of information under the Whistleblower Policy of the Federal Government.

Adeosun said the payment was in various amounts totaling N375,875,000 as they relate to the recovery of N11,635,000,000.

According to her, “This payment, which is the first under the Whistleblower Policy, underscores the commitment of the President Muhmmadu Buhari-led administration in meeting obligations to information providers under the Whistleblower Policy.”

A statement by the Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Salisu Na’Inna Danbatta quoted the Finance minister as saying that recent amendments to the Whistleblower Policy includes the introduction of a formal legal agreement between information providers and the Federal Government, which is executed by the Minister of Justice (Attorney-General of the Federation).

Adeosun, who described the Whistleblower policy as an essential tool in the fight against corruption, further said; “Procedures have also been introduced to ensure the protection of the identity of information providers during the payment process”, adding that, “All payments are taxable and are only made upon confirmation of the final recovery of assets as confirmed by the Attorney-General of the Federation as being free of legal disputes or litigation.”

The Minister also gave details of the Whistleblower Unit (WBU), a multi-agency team, located in the Ministry of Finance Headquarters and manned by staff seconded from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), among others.

She also said; “The Whistleblower Unit is the first line of response to whistleblower information, where initial review is undertaken before cases are forwarded to the relevant investigative agencies.”

The Federal Ministry of Finance has said that following the approval of the Whistleblowers Policy by the Federal Executive Council and its launch by the Minister of Finance in December 2016, the WBU received 2,150 communications and 337 tips through its dedicated channels from many patriotic Nigerians, which led to the recovery of substantial assets that were illegally acquired by various individuals.

Adeosun said the primary purpose of the Policy is to support the fight against financial crimes and corruption, promote accountability and enhance transparency in the management of public finances.

She assured that President Buhari’s administration would continue to encourage all Nigerians with information on misconduct, violation or improper activity which can impact negatively on Nigeria to report it to the appropriate authority.

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