A group in Nigeria focused on anti-corruption has called on the government to speed up its own law to protect whistleblowers. This call comes just after the country of Senegal passed a strong new law to safeguard people who expose corruption and crime.
The group, known as the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), made this statement through its coordinator, Chido Onumah. He said that Senegal’s action is a reminder to Nigeria to fulfil its own promise.
The news highlights that Senegal’s new law creates a powerful system to protect citizens who report wrongdoing. It also makes it a crime to punish or go after someone for speaking up. This is seen as a major step forward for transparency and accountability in the country.
What This Means for Nigeria
Nigeria started a whistleblower policy back in 2016. This policy encouraged people to report corruption with the promise of keeping their identity secret and giving them a reward. While it led to some important discoveries, people have been worried because there is no proper law to protect those who speak out. Without a law, whistleblowers can face danger, lose their jobs, or be threatened.
AFRICMIL pointed out that Nigeria’s own law, called the Whistleblower Protection Bill, has been stuck in the National Assembly for years. They see Senegal’s move as a challenge to Nigeria’s leaders.
“We congratulate Senegal on this great achievement,” Onumah said. “However, this should serve as a challenge to the Nigerian government. It is time for our leaders to show they are truly committed to fighting corruption.”
“The current policy is not enough. Whistleblowers are left vulnerable without the full force of a law behind them. Passing this bill is the only way to give people the confidence to report crime without fear,” he added.
The group is now urging the National Assembly to prioritise the Whistleblower Protection Bill and pass it into law as soon as possible. They believe that a strong law is the key to empowering citizens to help in the fight against corruption and make Nigeria a more accountable nation.
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