The House of Representatives has taken a step to strengthen anti-corruption fight with the introduction of a bill to encourage whistleblowers to expose corrupt practices, particularly in the public sector.
The bill which proposes a fine of N2m or two years imprisonment for disclosing a piece of confidential information provided by a whistleblower may be considered as lawmakers are set to debate its general principles upon resumption of plenary duty next week.
Read on the floor of the House for the first time on November 21, 2024, the Whistleblowing Bill seeks ‘a legal and institutional framework for the regulation and management of whistleblowing and the protection of whistleblowers,’ in Nigeria.
A copy of the bill sponsored by the spokesman for the House of Reps, Akin Rotimi, showed that the proposed legislation aims to encourage and facilitate disclosure of unlawful activities that impact the management of public and private offices as well as national security.
It also seeks to protect whistleblowers from reprisal or other adverse consequences, “Ensure that information or disclosure received from a whistleblower is properly assessed, investigated and acted upon as well as establish an appropriate framework to reward a whistleblower.”
The proposed law, according to Rotimi shall apply to whistleblowers and whistleblowing in relation to unlawful activities or offences under any legislation relating to terrorism, money-laundering prevention and prohibition.
Part two of the bill which was exclusively obtained by Sunday PUNCH provides for the establishment of the National Office and National Council for whistleblowing and protection of whistleblowers.
The bill is expected to undergo further legislative action in the weeks ahead as the House reconvenes for plenary duty on January 14, 2025.
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