A Benin City-based non-governmental organisation under the aegis of Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has urged the Presidential Initiative for Continuous Audit (PICA) and the National Assembly to expedite action on pending anti-corruption bills.
The organisation said the bills, Whistleblower and Witness protection bills would help to strengthen the battle against corruption in the country.
The executive director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, made the call in Benin City, Edo State, as part of activities to mark the 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day.
Ugolor who was represented by Leo Atakpu, Deputy Executive Director of the organisation disclosed that Whistleblowers were not sufficiently protected by the nation’s existing laws.
According to him, “The laws must be cleared on how the whistleblowers and witness should be protected.
“You will agree with me that certain citizens who are in a place where corruption is being perpetuated will nurse the fear that if they disclose any act of corruption against anybody their entire families would be in danger.”
He however commended the Federal government efforts in concluding work on some anti-corruption laws such as the Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Act 2022.
The executive director also lauded the legal work on Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition and Terrorism Act.
He urged the federal government to provide support to the Inter-Agency Task Team (IATT) to meet quarterly to promote learning and collaboration amongst anti-corruption agencies.