How Whistle Blowers Have Helped Us In Fight Against Corruption – Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun
The ministry of finance says it has so far received 2,351 tips
from whistleblowers, on cases bordering on embezzlement of government
funds, looting of assets, contract inflation, among others.
In a statement signed by Festus
Akanbi, special adviser, media to Kemi Adeosun, minister of finance, said 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,” Akanbi said.
“Also, 194 people sent us emails on whistle@finance.gov.ng).”
He said 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,” he said.
“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, embezzelment 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.”
Akanbi said top on the minister’s agenda, as the chairman of the
Whistleblower programme was to investigate illegal sale of government assets,
diversion of revenue (IGR), concealed bailout funds, Illegal recruitment and
violation of procurement Act.
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.
thecable
Comments
Post a Comment