General
FG Seeks Legal Backing for Whistleblowing Policy, Recovers N83bn, $609m
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A significant step has been taken by the federal government to strengthen its whistleblowing policy introduced in December 2016 by the immediate past administration of Mr Muhammadu Buhari.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, at a one-day sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the whistleblowing policy in Nigeria, said the government of President Bola Tinubu has developed a draft bill to provide legal backing and protection for whistleblowers.
According to him, this bill aims to address the challenges hindering the policy’s implementation and encourage more individuals to report corruption and misconduct in the conduct of government businesses.
He said at the event themed Issues, Challenges and Way Forward that the bill would be presented to the National Assembly, noting that Mr Tinubu was committed to ensuring that the policy is pursued with strict compliance with the rule of law to achieve transparency and accountability in governance.
“The government acknowledges that more needs to be done to encourage Nigerians to own the fight against corruption and report financial misappropriation,” Mr Edun said, revealing that the country has recovered funds totalling N83.0 billion, $609.1 million and €5.5 million between 2017 and 2023.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance Mr Okokon Ekanem Udo, stated that the whistleblowing policy, since its inception in December 2016, has proven to be one of the veritable tools in uncovering corrupt practices within the public and private sectors.
It is aimed at empowering citizens to report to the relevant authorities about identified misappropriation of public funds and other fraudulent activities, thereby contributing immensely towards the institutionalisation of transparency and accountability in governance.
However, like other policies of the government, Mr Udo said the implementation of the policy has encountered some challenges.
“At the initial stage, there was widespread enthusiasm on the part of Nigerians about the introduction of the policy. The momentum and popularity that heralded its introduction need to be reinforced and sustained,” he said.
He announced that the sensitization workshop is designed not only to deepen our understanding of the wWhistleblowing policy in Nigeria but also to foster cooperation among the key stakeholders, which include the implementing team, the Civil Society Organisations, as well as members of the media.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya, said that it is imperative to focus on strengthening the protection of whistleblowers and safeguarding their identities. This, she said, will encourage more individuals to come forward and contribute to the fight against corruption and misconduct.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Ministry’s Director of Human Resources, Mr Olusola Dada, also observed the need to improve the Reporting Mechanism to make reporting channels more accessible, user-friendly, and effective.
“It is essential that these mechanisms not only facilitate the reporting of concerns but also ensure that those concerns are addressed promptly and transparently,” she said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited before a Federal High Court in Abuja over what it described as the company’s failure to adequately explain and account for more than ₦211 trillion recorded in its 2023 audited financial statements.
According to SERAP, the sum of N211.015 trillion was listed under “Sundry Receivables” and “Accrued Expenses” in NNPC’s audited accounts without sufficient details to enable public scrutiny of the transactions.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1427/2026 and filed last week, the advocacy group is seeking an order compelling the state oil company to account for the funds and disclose all documents relating to the entries contained in its 2023 financial statements.
SERAP is asking the court to direct the oil company to provide a detailed explanation and reconciliation of the N107.6 trillion recorded as “Sundry Receivables,” including the identities of the debtors, amounts owed, legal basis for the receivables and the status of efforts to recover the funds.
The organisation is also requesting the disclosure of documents relating to the N103.4 trillion listed as “Accrued Expenses,” including the identities of creditors and beneficiaries, the nature of the liabilities, their legal basis and supporting records establishing their legitimacy.
In addition, SERAP wants the court to compel NNPC to release all records used in preparing and approving the N211 trillion entries in the audited accounts.
The group argued that there is an overriding public interest in making the information available, maintaining that NNPC Limited has a legal obligation to explain the transactions and demonstrate that the figures are accurate, lawful and backed by credible documentation.
SERAP further contended that the Freedom of Information Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guarantee citizens access to information held by public institutions, including NNPC Limited, to facilitate oversight of public resources.
According to the organisation, disclosure of the information would promote transparency, strengthen fiscal accountability, prevent corruption and enable Nigerians to assess how the country’s oil wealth is being managed.
The suit stated that Nigerians have a right to know who owes the N107.6 trillion, who is entitled to the N103.4 trillion in accrued expenses, the legal basis for the transactions and whether the entries comply with relevant laws and accountability standards.
Filed by SERAP’s legal team comprising Miss Oluwakemi Agunbiade, Miss Kehinde Oyewumi, Mr Andrew Nwankwo and Miss Maryam Mumuni, the suit explained that “Sundry Receivables” represent funds NNPCL claims are owed to it by individuals, companies or government entities but have not yet been received.
It also described “Accrued Expenses” as liabilities NNPCL says it owes for goods, services or other obligations already incurred but not yet paid.
SERAP argued that together, the two entries account for more than N211 trillion in NNPC’s 2023 audited financial statements, yet the accounts do not sufficiently identify the parties involved, explain the legal basis of the transactions or provide supporting documentation for independent verification.
The organisation maintained that NNPCL remains subject to the Freedom of Information Act because it is wholly owned by the Federal Government and manages petroleum resources and oil revenues on behalf of the federation.
According to SERAP, the Petroleum Industry Act does not exempt the company from its obligations to operate transparently and accountably.
The organisation added that secrecy surrounding oil revenue management undermines public trust, weakens the rule of law and runs contrary to Nigeria’s constitutional provisions, financial regulations and international anti-corruption commitments.
No date has been fixed for hearing the suit.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
