The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the federal government to take urgent steps to establish robust legal and institutional protections for whistleblowers, warning that current frameworks are too weak to shield those who expose corruption and abuse from retaliation.
The MRA made the call in a statement issued by its Communication Officer, Idowu Adewale, in Lagos on Monday to mark the 2025 World Whistleblowers Day, themed “Protecting the Truth-Tellers.”
According to MRA, whistleblowers play a vital role in upholding accountability and transparency by disclosing information that would otherwise remain hidden, often at significant personal risk.
However, the media right group said many Nigerians who come forward with sensitive information continue to face harassment, legal threats, and even physical harm.
“The current whistleblower protection framework in Nigeria remains weak, fragmented, and largely ineffective,” said Ayomide Eweje, a programme officer at MRA. “The Federal Government continues to threaten whistleblowers with prosecution despite existing protections in Section 27(2) of the Freedom of Information Act.”
Ms Eweje criticised the Whistleblower Policy adopted by the Federal Government in 2016, describing it as narrowly focused on recovering looted public funds, rather than offering comprehensive safeguards to those who report corruption, human rights abuses, or threats to public safety.
She added that the absence of a legal framework that guarantees confidentiality and shields whistleblowers from reprisals has deterred many from coming forward.
“Whistleblowers are the eyes and ears of our society. When they speak up, everyone benefits—public funds are better managed, services improve, trust in institutions grows, and we get better governance,” she said.
Despite their importance, Ms Eweje said whistleblowers continue to be vilified or silenced, with some paying for their bravery with their freedom or lives. She urged the National Assembly to prioritise legislation that provides a secure and confidential reporting system, establishes an independent whistleblower protection agency, and enforces sanctions against retaliation.
She also called on the media, civil society organisations, and professional bodies to help destigmatise whistleblowing and support individuals who expose wrongdoing in both public and private sectors.
“We stand in solidarity with whistleblowers in Nigeria and around the world who have paid a high price for speaking out, particularly against powerful individuals in society,” Ms Eweje said. “We reaffirm our commitment to advocating for their rights and working towards a society where exposing wrongdoing is protected and celebrated.”
World Whistleblowers Day is observed globally on June 23 to raise awareness about the role of whistleblowers in combating corruption and promoting integrity. This year’s campaign, titled “We’re All Ears,” seeks to encourage a positive culture of speaking up within organisations and to provide institutional support for those who do.
