By Damilola Abiola
Media Rights Agenda on Wednesday urged Nigeria’s federal government and lawmakers to prioritise the passage of a comprehensive whistleblower protection law, saying individuals who expose wrongdoing continue to face retaliation ranging from dismissal and harassment to legal action and physical harm.
In a statement marking World Whistleblower Day, the Lagos-based rights group said Nigeria still lacks an effective legal framework that guarantees confidentiality, protection against retaliation, access to remedies and support for people who disclose information in the public interest.
“Whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing corruption, fraud, abuse of office, human rights violations, threats to public health and safety, environmental harm, and other forms of wrongdoing that undermine democratic governance and the public interest,” said Adesewa Akintokun, Programme Officer at MRA.
MRA said a whistleblower law should provide secure reporting channels, protect whistleblowers in both the public and private sectors, ensure independent investigations of disclosures and impose sanctions on those who retaliate against whistleblowers.
Successive Nigerian administrations have introduced policies aimed at encouraging the reporting of corruption and misconduct, but MRA said these measures remain inadequate without enforceable legislation.
The group said whistleblowers often become targets of intimidation, discrimination, reputational attacks and other reprisals, creating a climate of fear that discourages others from reporting wrongdoing.
Akintokun said protecting whistleblowers is closely linked to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom because disclosures help inform public debate and enable citizens to hold institutions accountable.
“A society that values accountability must also value and protect those who have the courage to expose wrongdoing,” she said.
MRA also urged public institutions, private companies, civil society organisations and professional bodies to establish internal reporting mechanisms that encourage disclosures made in good faith and shield whistleblowers from retaliation.
The organisation called on journalists and media outlets to continue reporting responsibly on matters disclosed in the public interest while protecting confidential sources.
MRA paid tribute to whistleblowers in Nigeria and abroad who have taken personal and professional risks to reveal information that has helped protect public resources, strengthen institutions and advance accountability.