As part of the efforts to tackle corruption in the country, the Federal Government has approved a new policy on whistle blowing that aims at encouraging Nigerians to report financial and other related crimes to relevant authorities.

The highlight of the policy is that whistle-blowers or informers whose revelations lead to recovery of money will be entitled to as much as 5 per cent of the recovered sum.

The new policy was approved on Wednesday at the meeting of the Federal Executive Council, chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari inside the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa.

The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who announced the new policy to State House correspondents, said it is being put in place “in conjunction with the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice”.

She said the policy is a stop gap initiative until the National Assembly formally passes a law on whistle blowing, adding that the new programme encourages Nigerians with information on financial crimes to disclose it.

She said the aim is to strengthen the fight against corruption by the Buhari administration. She noted that anyone who provides information leading to the recovery of fund will be entitled to not more than five per cent of the recovered sum.

Ms. Adeosun said the government will set up a website and provide a phone number and email for people to use. She said anonymity and protection of whistle-blowers will also be guaranteed.