A Civil Society Organisation, Step Up Nigeria, has called on the Federal Government, policymakers, and the civil society to strengthen reporting mechanisms and the legal framework for whistleblowers and safeguard individuals who speak out in the public interest.

The CSO noted that Nigeria still lacked a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of whistleblowers despite several legislative attempts over the years.

The Director of Programmes at Step Up Nigeria, Oluwaferanmi Iyanda, who made the call at a press briefing to mark the 2026 World Whistleblower Day, on Tuesday, explained that stronger laws would encourage responsible disclosure of corruption and ensure an accountability system that works for all Nigerians.

Iyanda suggested that Nigeria could have saved or recovered over N3 trillion in looted funds in the past two decades if whistleblower protection mechanisms were strengthened by legislation.

Urging young people to act as watchdogs and advocate for stronger legal frameworks, she stressed the significance of World Whistleblower Day, saying the CSO “seeks to raise awareness, stimulate public interest, and inspire collective action against corruption”.

“The goal is to change the perception of whistleblowing from betrayal to acts of courage that strengthen democracy and promote public interest.

“Advocacy for whistleblowing must start at the grassroots. It is not just about symbolic activities like walks but about empowering young people to actively engage and drive development,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, warned that false whistleblowing out of malice or pecuniary reasons is a criminal offence and offenders are liable to jail terms.

The anti-graft agency, while highlighting the crucial role of whistleblowing in the nation’s anti-corruption drive, described it as a discrete intelligence tool used to track and apprehend corrupt Nigerians.

The spokesperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Dele Oyewale, who fielded questions from the press on the protection of whistleblowers, assured that the EFCC has mechanisms to safeguard individuals who provide credible information pending a comprehensive whistleblower protection law in the country.

“The commission has a robust framework for protecting whistleblowers and has successfully done so in the past. We will continue to deploy available measures while awaiting stronger legal backing,” he stated.

The Communication Lead at Step Up Nigeria, in his remarks, noted that the emphasis on whistleblowing and young people is to shift the mindset around whistleblowing.

He said, “If as a youth, are not speaking against corruption, you are really killing yourself because the future belongs to the youth.”

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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