The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced a 5% reward for whistleblowers who provide credible information leading to the prosecution of offenders.
This incentive, as mentioned by Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s spokesperson, during a guest appearance on the EFCC 97.3FM Abuja talk show, is enshrined in statutory provisions.
Oyewale stressed the commission’s dedication to upholding the law and safeguarding the economy against the adverse effects of Naira abuse. He emphasized that reporting instances of individuals “spraying” the Naira, an illegal act, qualifies as whistleblowing, with rewards offered for credible information that withstands legal scrutiny and is not motivated by malice or mischief.
Oyewale further highlighted the EFCC’s achievements, citing nearly 50 convictions nationwide since the formation of the task force on Naira misuse and dollarization. He reiterated that rejecting the Naira as legal tender constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by law enforcement measures.
Additionally, former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, advocated for an expanded whistleblower policy to protect individuals who expose corruption, mismanagement, and threats to public health and safety.
In his virtual keynote address at the National Conference on Whistleblower Policy in Abuja in 2020, Osinbajo emphasized the need to broaden the scope of protected disclosures beyond financial misconduct to encompass issues posing risks to public safety or security.
This broader approach, he argued, could potentially save lives and safeguard property beyond just financial considerations.
