In commemoration of the 2026 World Whistleblower Day, the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has issued an urgent call to the Federal Government of Nigeria to enact comprehensive legislation dedicated to the protection of whistleblowers, reports ITREALMS.
The organization highlighted that without a codified law, whistleblowers across the country continue to face severe retaliation, including unlawful dismissal, harassment, intimidation, reputational attacks, and physical threats.
While Nigeria has previously adopted various policy initiatives to encourage the reporting of corruption, the MRA argues that these measures are fundamentally inadequate.
In a statement issued by Programme Officer, Ms. Adesewa Akintokun, MRA emphasized that a robust legal framework is the only way to guarantee confidentiality, provide access to remedies, and establish enforceable sanctions against those who retaliate against individuals reporting misconduct in the public interest.
Ms. Akintokun noted that whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing corruption, fraud, abuse of office, and human rights violations, often providing the first line of defense against misconduct that would otherwise remain hidden from public scrutiny.
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To create an environment where transparency can thrive, the MRA is calling for legislation that includes secure, trusted reporting channels for individuals to disclose information.
The proposed law, MRA explained, should ensure broad protections for whistleblowers in both the public and private sectors, while mandating independent investigations of all disclosures.
Additionally, the MRA is advocating for effective sanctions to be enforced against entities or individuals that engage in retaliation.
The MRA further urged public institutions, private corporations, and professional bodies to implement internal policies that foster a culture of integrity.
Ms. Akintokun specifically addressed the media, encouraging journalists to continue reporting responsibly on disclosures made in the public interest while ensuring the protection of confidential sources.
She concluded by stating that a society that values accountability must also value and protect those who have the courage to expose wrongdoing, adding that stakeholders must work together to create an environment where whistleblowers can speak out without fear and where truth and integrity are celebrated as national priorities.
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