Encomium
What is the Federal Ministry of Finance Whistle blowing Programme?
It is a programme designed to encourage anyone with information about a violation, misconduct or improper activity that impacts negatively on the Nigerian people and Government to report it.
Who is a Whistle blower?
Any person who voluntarily discloses information in good faith about a possible misconduct or violation that has occurred, is on-going, or is about to occur.
What is the Whistle blowing Portal?
A secure online portal where the information can be submitted. If you have already submitted your information, you can also check the status of your report on the portal.
What type of information can be submitted?
Some examples of information that can be submitted include:
Mismanagement or misappropriation of public funds and assets (e.g. properties and vehicles).
Financial malpractice or fraud.
Collecting / soliciting bribes.
Corruption.
Diversion of revenues.
Fraudulent and unapproved payments.
Splitting of contracts.
Procurement fraud (kickbacks and over-invoicing etc.)
What type of information cannot be submitted?
The programme does not apply to personal matters concerning private contracts or agreements.
How do I submit my information under the Whistle blower Programme?
You can submit your information through the online portal by e-mail or by phone.
Who can make use of the Whistle blowing Portal?
Anybody with the required information including but not limited to:
Internal stakeholders e.g. Government employees;
Inter-Government stakeholders e.g. Government agencies;
Institutional stakeholders; and
All members of the public
Can I submit my information to the Whistle blowing Portal anonymously?
Yes. You do not have to disclose your identity while providing information.
What additional information is required from a whistle blower?
You can submit documentary evidence on the portal. You can also provide specific and fact based information such as what occurred, amount involved, who was involved and dates of occurrence on the portal.
Will my identity remain confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest extent within the limitations of the law.
If you choose not to disclose your identity, there will be no record of who you are.
If you choose to disclose your identity, it will be fully protected.
Will I be protected as a whistle blower?
Yes. If you whistle blow in public-spirit and in good faith, you will be protected.
If you feel that you have been treated badly because of your report, you can file a formal complaint.
If you have suffered harassment, intimidation or victimization for sharing your concerns, restitution will be made for any loss suffered.
How will the information that I provided be used?
The information you provide will be reviewed and analysed to determine whether or not to open an investigation on the matter.
Investigations will be confidential, objective and speedy.
What if it is a criminal case?
That has been considered. It will be referred to the relevant agencies; Police, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) or Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Will there be sanctions for individuals or corporate bodies involved in diversion of public funds?
Yes.
Referral to anti-corruption agencies for possible prosecution.
Blacklisted from working with or doing business with the Government
Is the whistle blower entitled to a financial reward?
It depends.
If there is a voluntary return of stolen or concealed public funds or assets on the account of the information provided, the whistle blower may be entitled to anywhere between 2.5% (Minimum) and 5.0% (Maximum) of the total amount recovered.
You must have provided the Government with information it does not already have and could not otherwise obtain from any other publicly available source.
For more information: email: [email protected]
