Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to urgently enact a comprehensive whistleblower protection law that meets international standards, warning that Nigerians who expose corruption and misconduct continue to face severe reprisals, including job loss, harassment, intimidation and physical harm.
The organisation made the call in a statement issued in Lagos to commemorate the 2026 World Whistleblower Day, observed globally by civil society groups, journalists, transparency advocates and accountability institutions to recognise the contributions of whistleblowers to good governance and public accountability.
MRA said despite various policy initiatives introduced over the years to encourage the reporting of corruption and wrongdoing, Nigeria still lacks a robust legal framework capable of providing effective and enforceable protection for whistleblowers.
The group’s Programme Officer, Adesewa Akintokun, said existing measures remain inadequate because they do not sufficiently guarantee confidentiality, protection from retaliation, access to remedies or support for individuals who disclose information in the public interest.
According to her, whistleblowers play a critical role in exposing corruption, fraud, abuse of office, human rights violations, environmental degradation, and threats to public health and safety.
“Whistleblowers often provide the first warning of misconduct that would otherwise remain hidden from public scrutiny. Their courage helps protect the public interest and strengthens democratic governance,” she said.
Akintokun expressed concern that many whistleblowers continue to suffer reprisals ranging from dismissal from employment and discrimination to reputational attacks, legal action and threats to their safety.
She noted that such actions not only violate the rights of whistleblowers but also discourage others from reporting wrongdoing, thereby weakening accountability mechanisms.
The organisation stressed that whistleblower protection is closely linked to the rights to freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom, arguing that individuals who expose wrongdoing contribute significantly to informed public debate and institutional accountability.
MRA urged the Federal Government to enact legislation that would establish secure reporting channels, guarantee protection for whistleblowers in both public and private sectors, ensure independent investigations of disclosures, and impose sanctions on individuals or institutions that retaliate against whistleblowers.
The group also called on public institutions, private companies, civil society organisations and professional bodies to adopt internal policies that encourage the reporting of misconduct and protect individuals who raise concerns in good faith.
It further urged journalists and media organisations to continue reporting responsibly on disclosures made in the public interest while safeguarding confidential sources.
“A society that values accountability must also value and protect those who have the courage to expose wrongdoing,” Akintokun said, calling for collective efforts to create an environment where whistleblowers can speak out without fear.
MRA paid tribute to whistleblowers in Nigeria and around the world, describing them as vital actors in the fight against corruption and abuse of power.
According to the organisation, their sacrifices have helped safeguard public resources, strengthen institutions and advance transparency, underscoring the importance of openness and accountability in democratic societies.
