NAVIGATING BARRIERS AND BREAKTHROUGHS: INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES TO CORRUPTION DISCLOSURE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of Nigeria’s whistleblowing policy as a component of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy between 2016 and 2021, and examined the institutional and political challenges undermining its optimum implementation. A descriptive survey research design was employed, relying on both primary and secondary data. Primary data were generated through semi-structured interviews with thirty key stakeholders, including officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Department of State Services (DSS), civil servants in the Ministry of Finance, academics, media practitioners, and representatives of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). Secondary data were sourced from scholarly publications, theses, official documents, and credible online and print media outlets. Thematic analysis of the interview data revealed that the whistleblowing policy recorded notable early successes, particularly in the recovery of looted public funds and misappropriated assets. However, the study also identified persistent challenges which include limited public awareness of legal protections, fear of retaliation, weak political commitment to anti-corruption initiatives, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and delays in accessing financial rewards which significantly constrained the policy’s overall effect. The study concludes that while the whistleblowing policy has complemented Nigeria’s broader anti-corruption efforts, its long-term effectiveness depends on strengthening the legal framework, ensuring whistleblower protection, and improving institutional responsiveness.