Provide information about looted funds, get 5% of recovered loots - FG tells Nigerians

Nigeria's government has approved a policy that will see whistle-blowers paid for exposing corruption.

Whistle-blowers will be entitled to up to 5% of the recovered amount.

Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun disclosed this to State House reporters after the FEC meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.

She said the new programme would encourage Nigerians with information about financial crimes to disclose it and it would help the government fight corruption.

According to her: "If you whistle-blow in public spirit and in good faith, you will be protected."

"If you feel that you have been treated badly because of your report, you can file a formal complaint. If you have suffered harassment, intimidation or victimisation for sharing your concerns, restitution will be made for any loss suffered,” she added.

Asked if there is protection from false or malicious claims, she said: "Yes. A first level review will always be carried out to determine credibility and sufficiency of information received. If you report false or misleading information, it will be referred to the enforcement agents for investigation and possible prosecution."