Whistleblower Protection: Criminologists, others converge in Abuja

In a bid to guarantee a safer space for whistleblowers in the West African sub-region, the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) has disclosed plans to bring together criminologists and experts in security and criminal justice sector governance to brainstorm on whistleblower protection in the region.

The gathering, which will be the first of its kind in the West African sub-region, the organisers noted, will take place on Tuesday, November 26, and Wednesday, November 27, in Abuja.

According to the Coordinator of AFRICMIL, Dr. Chido Onumah, the conference will bring together delegates from the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), key civil society actors, media, security, law enforcement and anti-corruption organizations, government agencies, and development partners to explore the theme, ‘Reducing Corruption in West Africa through Whistleblowing and Whistleblower Protection Legislations.’

“The conference will feature panel discussions and promises to be a watershed moment in West Africa’s fight against corruption, particularly with regards to using whistleblowing as an anti-corruption tool as well as a means of advancing human rights through freedom of expression.

“Additionally, the conference will provide a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, build partnerships, and forge a united front against corruption and impunity.

“Whistleblowers from across the West African sub-region are expected to share their experiences at the conference, enabling participants to forge a way forward with regards to recommendations on whistleblower protection legislation.

“As such, participants drawn from various countries in West Africa and beyond will share best practices in whistleblower protection,” he added.

Onumah further disclosed that criminologist and expert in security and criminal justice sector governance, Professor Etannibi E. Alemika, will deliver the keynote address at the conference.

“Other dignitaries expected to attend the conference include the Minister of Finance, Mr. Adebayo Olawale Edun, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, Mr. Cheikh O. Toure, Country Representative UNODC Nigeria, along with other heads of government and international bodies.”