Whistleblowing Policy and the Anti-Corruption War of the Buhari Administration in Nigeria

An Impact Assessment on Good Governance

Abstract

Corruption has become a culture to the extent that it is now politicized and celebrated in Nigeria. The consequences of widespread corruption are daunting on the political economy of Nigeria and it remains a deficit in the governance spectrum. Compelled by this scenario, this study assessed the whistle-blowing policy as an anti-corruption mechanism of the present administration in Nigeria in relation to its good governance impact. Relying on documented evidence from secondary sources a content analysis was done in which whistle-blowing policy was found to be a laudable initiative not only in fishing out corrupt public officials, but also serving as a deterrent to the continuity of the menace of corruption and enhancing good governance. However, concerns were raised due to the fact that whistle-blowing clearly understood is a risky activity which may involve, among others, death or threat to both the whistleblower and family. Therefore, it will be wise on the part of the Federal Government in the submission of this paper to put extra legal protective measures in place to ensuring that the trust reposed in it is firmly kept by sending a more comprehensive executive bill to the National Assembly so as to expedite action on the formalization of the policy and making it applicable across other tiers of government. The study recommended effective public enlightenment of the citizens on the objectives of the policy and ensuring adequate confidentiality and protection of whistleblowers.