Abuja, Nigeria — In a step toward enhancing transparency and accountability, the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) has announced plans to host the first ever sub-regional conference dedicated to whistleblowing and whistleblower protection in West Africa. Scheduled to take place on November 26 and 27 in Abuja, this two-day event is poised to gather a diverse array of stakeholders from government, civil society, and anti-corruption institutions to address the urgent need for effective whistleblower policies in the fight against corruption.
Dr. Chido Onumah, the Coordinator of AFRICMIL, expressed immense optimism regarding the conference’s potential impact. “This gathering will bring together delegates from the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), key civil society actors, media representatives, security, law enforcement agencies, and development partners. Together, we will explore vital discussions around the theme, ‘Reducing Corruption in West Africa through Whistleblowing and Whistleblower Protection Legislations,’” Dr. Onumah stated.
Corruption remains a pervasive challenge in many West African nations, undermining governance and impeding socio-economic development. The conference aims to spotlight the critical role that whistleblowers play in uncovering corrupt practices and safeguarding human rights, particularly through freedom of expression. To lend gravitas to the discussions, renowned criminologist Professor Etannibi E. Alemika will deliver the keynote address. His extensive background in criminology and law, coupled with his insightful analysis of policing and justice systems, positions him as an authoritative voice on the subject.
The conference is not just a platform for discussions; it is also an opportunity for collaboration and strategizing against corruption. Key figures expected to attend include Mr. Adebayo Olawale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, and Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Their participation highlights the government’s commitment to tackling corruption through collaborative efforts with civil society.
Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Cheikh O. Toure, the Country Representative for UNODC Nigeria, will also share their insights, contributing to a multifaceted dialogue about the challenges and opportunities in implementing whistleblower protections.
A key feature of the conference will be panel discussions, where whistleblowers from across West Africa will share their personal experiences and the challenges they faced when speaking out against corruption. Their testimonies will provide a necessary human context to the discussions, illuminating both the risks and rewards associated with whistleblowing.
The importance of this gathering is amplified by the increasing global attention on the need for robust whistleblower protections. As various countries in West Africa grapple with pervasive corruption scandals, the conference represents a timely initiative to establish standard measures for safeguarding whistleblowers — individuals who often risk their livelihoods, safety, and even their lives to expose wrongdoing.
AFRICMIL’s dedication to this cause is embodied in its whistleblowing project titled Corruption Anonymous (CORA), launched following the Nigerian government’s introduction of a whistleblowing policy in December 2016. Since then, the initiative has fostered partnerships with various stakeholders in promoting whistleblowing as a legitimate anti-corruption tool, emphasizing the significance of good governance and accountability.
The conference is expected to serve as a watershed moment for West Africa’s trajectory in fighting corruption. Through collective action and shared insights, participants aim to draft actionable recommendations for improving and enforcing whistleblower protection legislation across the region.
“The time has come for West Africa to embrace whistleblowing not just as a safety valve against corruption, but as a fundamental right that champions human rights and democratic governance,” said Dr. Onumah. The conference seeks to build momentum towards this goal, encouraging nations to adopt comprehensive frameworks that not only protect whistleblowers but also empower them to act against corruption without fear of retaliation.
This historic conference in Abuja signifies a collective commitment to tackle corruption head-on, reinforcing the idea that safeguarding whistleblowers is crucial in the quest for transparency. With key stakeholders participating in vital discussions, the aspirations of many who dare to speak out may finally find a resounding echo in the halls of power across West Africa.
As the conference approaches, the hope is that it will galvanize momentum toward a more accountable and transparent governance structure in the region, paving the way for a brighter future free from the shackles of corruption.
