The Ministry of Finance, says it has so far received 2,351 tips from
whistle-blowers bordering on cases of embezzlement of government funds,
looting of assets and contract inflation, among others.
A statement signed by Mr Festus Akanbi, the Special Adviser, Media to
the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, said that the tips came via
text messages, calls, email and forms filled on the ministry’s website.
“We have received 95 feedbacks through our website,
www.whistle.finance.gov.ng, 1,550 tips came through calls on 09098067946
and SMS, 412.
“Also, 194 people sent us emails on whistle@finance.gov.ng)
He said that out of the 2,351 tips, the office was currently following up on 154, it deemed actionable.
“Some of the tips include: contract inflation and conversion of
government assets to personal use, ghost workers, payment of unapproved
funds and embezzlement of salaries of terminated personnel.
“Also, improper reduction of financial penalties, diversion of funds
meant for distribution to a particular group of people, especially
farmers and diversion of funds to personal commercial bank accounts to
earn interest.
“Furthermore, we are following up on cases of non-remittance of
pension and NHIS deductions, failure to Implement projects for which
funds have been provided, embezzlement of funds received from Donor
agencies and violation of TSA regulations by keeping funds in Commercial
banks.
“We are also looking into violations of FIRS (VAT) regulation by
adjusting Value Added Tax payment, non-procurement of equipment required
for Aviation Safety, money laundering and diversion of funds meant for
approved projects,” he said.
Akanbi said that top on the Minister’s agenda, as the Chairman of the
Whistle-blower programme was to investigate illegal sale of government
assets, diversion of revenue (IGR), concealed bailout funds, Illegal
recruitment and violation of procurement Act.
It would be recalled that late last year, the Federal Government set
up the Whistleblower programme to make it easy for the public to give
information bordering on violation of financial regulations,
mismanagement of public funds and assets and other financial
malpractice.
The Federal Government promised any whistle-blower whose information
leads to the recovery of up to N1 billion Naira, five per cent of the
amount.
For any amount between N1 billion and N5 billion, the whistle-blower
stands to get 4 per cent commission. Any amount over N5 billion, will
attract 2.5 per cent reward.