Under the Whistleblower Policy set by the Federal Government to combat corruption in the country, the Nigerian government has paid out a total of N375,875,000 to 20 whistleblowers being commission for the recovery of N11,635,000,000.
The payment which was made in various amounts to the 20 persons who supplied the federal government with credible information leading to recoveries was made known by the Minister for Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun.
Kemi Adeosun while speaking on the subject said: “This payment, which is the first under the Whistleblower Policy, underscores the commitment of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in meeting obligations to information providers under the Whistleblower Policy. The policy is an essential tool in the fight against corruption.”
She further revealed that recent amendments have been made to the Whistleblower Policy to include the introduction of a formal legal agreement between information providers and the Federal Government, one which is executed by the Minister of Justice (Attorney-General of the Federation).
The Finance Minister further added that the newly introduced procedures were meant to ensure the protection of the information provider’s identity during the payment process.
Adeosun further stated that all payments made to whistleblowers by the federal government are taxable with payments made only upon confirmation of the final recovery of assets by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
