A recent development in the House of Representatives involves the introduction of a bill aimed at enhancing the fight against corruption by encouraging whistleblowers to expose corrupt practices, especially within the public sector.
This bill suggests a penalty of N2m or two years imprisonment for revealing confidential information received from a whistleblower and is set to be deliberated by lawmakers when they resume plenary duties next week.
Presented for the first time on November 21, 2024, the Whistleblowing Bill proposes the creation of a legal and institutional framework to regulate whistleblowing, protect whistleblowers, and support the disclosure of unlawful activities affecting public and private entities as well as national security.
The bill, sponsored by the House of Reps spokesman, aims to safeguard whistleblowers from retaliation, ensure proper assessment and action on disclosed information, and establish a system to reward whistleblowers.
The legislation will cover whistleblowers and disclosures related to unlawful activities such as terrorism and money laundering prevention.
The bill also includes provisions for the establishment of the National Office and National Council for whistleblowing and protection of whistleblowers.
Further legislative processes are expected as the House reconvenes for plenary sessions on January 14, 2025.