Categories: City Updates

Nigeria’s Whistleblowers Earn N210m on Every N5b

The Federal Government has clearly spelled out the benefits awaiting whistle-blowers as it also pledges protection for them.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said any whistle-blower whose information leads to the recovery of up to N1billion would receive 5 per cent of the amount.

According to him, the reward for any amount between one and five billion naira would be 5 per cent for the first N1billion and 4 per cent of the remaining N4billion, and that any amount over N5 billion will attract 2.5 per cent reward.

According to NAN computation, a whistle-blower that leads Nigeria to the recovery of cash or assets worth N5billion, would earn N210million.

Mohammed said, ”For example, if a whistleblower provides information leading to the recovery of N10 billion, he or she will receive five per cent of the first one billion naira, four per cent of the next four billion naira and 2.5 per cent of the remaining five billion naira.

”What we have done by making this information public is to reassure potential whistle-blowers that the plan to reward is real. We are not just saying we will pay all whistle-blowers, but we are letting them know in advance what they are entitled to, once the information they provide leads to the recovery of looted funds.”

Mohammed also gave the assurance that the government will protect the identity of all whistle-blowers, whether in the public or the private sector, and also ensure that the
information they provide is kept secret.

”Whistleblowers have nothing to fear, because the committee has put in place the necessary measures to safeguard those who give useful information. As a matter of fact, whistle-blowers have everything to gain and nothing to lose,” Mohammed said

”For those who may have suffered any backlash as a result of the information they provide, their cases will be reviewed and appropriate mitigating actions taken,” he said.

A civil servant working for the Foreign Affairs Ministry was allegedly sacked after exposing some theft in an agency of the ministry. His case is being reviewed by the Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, following the directive of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

Alhaji Mohammed said the assurance of protection followed the presentations made to the Presidential Assets Recovery Committee by concerned citizens and groups about the safety of whistle-blowers.

”Whistle-blowers have nothing to fear, because the committee has put in place the necessary measures to safeguard those who give useful information. As a matter of fact, whistle-blowers have everything to gain and nothing to lose,” he said.

0
Dipo

Dipo Kehinde is an accomplished Nigerian journalist, artist, and designer with over 34 years experience. More info on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dipo-kehinde-8aa98926

Recent Posts

Are The Grammys Relevant Outside the United States?

Building Credibility For nearly eight decades, the Grammy Awards have stood as the pinnacle of…

1 day ago

Disputed 5.3bn Shares: Court Adjourns Barbican/FBN Holdings Suit as Ecobank’s Recusal Motion Remains Pending

Justice Ayokunle Faji has adjourned further proceedings in the suit filed by Barbican Capital Limited…

3 days ago

Los Angeles Protects Undocumented Immigrants from Trump’s Deportation Plans with Sanctuary Ordinance

Segun Atanda/ The Los Angeles City Council has approved a sweeping "sanctuary city" ordinance designed…

3 days ago

Trump Could Face Prison After Second Term, Prosecutors Say

Segun Atanda/ New York prosecutors have opposed dismissing President-elect Donald Trump’s conviction for falsifying business…

3 days ago

MC Oluomo Flouts Court Order, Assumes Office as NURTW President

Femi Ashekun/ In a bold and controversial move, Musiliu ‘MC Oluomo’ Akinsanya, has defied a…

3 days ago

Tinubu Sacks Nnamdi Azikiwe University VC, Registrar … Dissolves Council

Matilda Omonaiye/ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dissolved the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University,…

3 days ago