OLUKOYEDE SEEKS STRONG WHISTLEBLOWER LEGISLATION IN NIGERIA

Calabar, Nigeria — 12 March 2026

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has called on the National Assembly of Nigeria to enact robust whistleblower protection laws to strengthen the fight against corruption and enhance institutional transparency.

Olukoyede made the call in Calabar, Cross River State, on Thursday, 12 March 2026, during a nationwide sensitization programme on the implementation of the whistleblowing policy in Nigeria.

Speaking on the theme, “Benefits of the Whistleblowing Policy in the Fight Against Corruption in Nigeria,” the EFCC Chairman emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive legislation that will protect whistleblowers from victimization and eliminate bureaucratic challenges associated with accessing financial rewards.

“I reiterate that we need a robust Act of the National Assembly to protect those who risk their lives to expose corruption in this country,” he said, noting that only a few countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), such as Ghana and Senegal, have enacted whistleblower protection laws.

Represented at the event by the Uyo Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Oshodi Johnson, Olukoyede stressed that whistleblowing should be driven by a commitment to national interest rather than solely financial incentives.

He urged citizens to focus on preventing the looting of public funds, noting that once funds are stolen, full recovery is often difficult.

The EFCC Chairman also called on lawmakers to domesticate Article 33 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which provides measures for the protection of individuals who report corruption cases.

Participants at the programme included representatives from anti-corruption agencies, lawmakers, security agencies, and other stakeholders committed to strengthening accountability and transparency in Nigeria.