Senate Passes Whistleblower Protection Bill
The Nigeria Senate on Wednesday passed the Whistleblower Protection Bill.
The bill according to the lawmakers is aimed at ensuring the protection for persons with potentially reliable information on the war against corruption.
It was presented by the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, chaired by Senator David Umaru, lawmaker representing Niger East in the 8th National Assembly.
The bill specifies who is qualified to make disclosure of improper conduct; the procedure for making disclosures; and the protection due to the ‘whistleblowers.’
According to the newly passed Bill, persons who make disclosures about corruption do not suffer reprisals by his or her employers or by fellow employees in relation to such disclosures and are duly protected by law.
Additionally, a person who makes a disclosure has the right to take legal action if he or she is victimised, dismissed, suspended, declared redundant, transferred against his or her will, harassed or intimidated in any manner.
Senate President Bukola Saraki said the bill “will protect the lives of those who risk themselves to expose corrupt practices in Nigeria”.
Today, @NGRSenate passed the Whistleblower Protection Bill.
We will remain committed in the fight against Corruption.#PromiseKept pic.twitter.com/Ypb6c08hJE
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) July 19, 2017
The Whistle Blowers Bill @NGRSenate passed today will protect the lives of those who risk themselves to expose corrupt practices in Nigeria.
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) July 19, 2017