The
Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved the payment of 5 per cent of
recovered looted fund to the whistle blower behind the recovery.
Minister
of Finance Kemi Adeosun briefed State House correspondents at the end of the
FEC meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.
With
her were the Minister of Information Lai Mohammed and Minister of Power, Works
and Housing Babatunde Fashola.
According
to her, the programme is 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.
She
said: “If there is a voluntary return of stolen or concealed public funds or
assets on the account of the information provided, the whistleblower 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 to the
Government.” She said
The
programme, she said, would increase exposure of financial or financial-related
crimes; Support the fight against financial crimes and corruption; Improved
level of public confidence in public entities; Enhance transparency and
accountability in the management of public funds; Improve Nigeria’s Open Government
Ranking and Ease of Doing Business Indicators; and Recovery of public funds to
finance Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.
Stressing
that a whistle blower is 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.
She
said such information can be submitted on a secure online portal by e-mail or
by phone.
The
minister listed examples of information that can be submitted on the portal to
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, and Procurement fraud (kickbacks and
over-invoicing etc).
Stating
that not all type of information could be submitted on the portal, she said:
“The programme does not apply to personal matters concerning private contracts
or agreements.
Noting
that all members of the public can submit information to the Whistleblowing
Portal, she said that the informant does not have to disclose his or her
identity while providing information.
The
whistle blower, she said, can additionally 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.”
She
said the identity of the informant would remain confidential to the fullest
extent within the limitations of the law.
She
said: “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. If you are a whistle blower 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
victimisation for sharing your concerns, restitution will be made for any loss
suffered.” She added
She
said that any information received will be reviewed and analyzed to determine
whether or not to open an investigation on the matter.
She
said any of the information that is a criminal case will be referred to the
relevant agencies; Police, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) or
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).
Apart
from referral of individuals or corporate bodies involved in diversion of
public funds to anti-corruption agencies for possible prosecution, she said
that they will be blacklisted from working with or doing business with the
Government.
On
protection from False or Malicious Claims, she said: “A first level review will
always be carried out to determine credibility and sufficiency of information
received.
“If
you report false or misleading information, it will be referred to the
enforcement agents for investigation and possible prosecution.”
She
said the informant can receive status updates on the progress with the
information that have been provided.
“When
you submit information, the portal will generate a unique reference number. To
know the status of your submitted tip, simply click on “Get Feedback” and enter
the reference number.” she stated
Tags
Business