By Francis Wilfred
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has urged the National Assembly to enact comprehensive legislation to protect whistleblowers and strengthen anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria. Olukoyede made the call during a nationwide sensitisation programme on the whistleblowing policy held in Calabar.
Speaking on the benefits of whistleblowing in tackling corruption, he emphasised the need for a legal framework that shields individuals who report wrongdoing from victimisation and simplifies access to financial rewards under the policy.
“I reiterate that we need a robust Act of the National Assembly to protect those who risk their lives to disclose corruption,” he said. The EFCC chairman, represented by Acting Zonal Director in Uyo, Oshodi Johnson, also urged lawmakers to align Nigeria’s framework with Article 33 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which provides for the protection of whistleblowers.
He noted that stronger legal backing would encourage more citizens to report corruption and help prevent the loss of public funds. Participants at the event included representatives from anti-corruption agencies, security institutions, lawmakers, and other stakeholders.
