Nigeria Needs Strong Whistleblower Law to Fight Corruption — MRA

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Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to establish a comprehensive whistleblower protection law to safeguard individuals who expose corruption, misconduct and other wrongdoing.

MRA made the call in commemoration of the 2026 World Whistleblower Day, stressing that whistleblowers in Nigeria continue to face retaliation, including job loss, intimidation, harassment, threats, discrimination and legal challenges.

The organisation said Nigeria requires a legal framework that meets international standards by providing secure reporting channels, protecting whistleblowers in both public and private sectors, ensuring independent investigation of disclosures and imposing penalties against those who retaliate against whistleblowers.

MRA Programme Officer, Ms Adesewa Akintokun, in a statement said existing policies encouraging the reporting of corruption and misconduct remain inadequate without enforceable legal protection.

She noted that whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing corruption, abuse of office, fraud, human rights violations, public safety risks and other actions that undermine good governance.

According to her, the absence of strong protection creates fear and discourages citizens from reporting wrongdoing.

She said whistleblower protection is closely connected to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom, as disclosures in the public interest help citizens hold institutions accountable.

MRA urged government institutions, private organisations, civil society groups and professional bodies to establish trusted reporting mechanisms that encourage people to speak up without fear of retaliation.

The organisation also called on journalists and media organisations to continue responsible reporting of whistleblower disclosures while protecting confidential sources.

“A society that values accountability must also value and protect those who have the courage to expose wrongdoing,” Akintokun said.

MRA commended whistleblowers in Nigeria and around the world for their contributions towards transparency, integrity and democratic accountability.

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