WHISTLEBLOWING PRACTICES AND CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE IN THE CONTEXT OF A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

The study evaluates the veracity of whistleblowing policy in addressing incidence of corruption in Nigeria in the context of a comparative analysis. Structured questionnaire was adopted to gather primary data from the respondents cutting across experienced professional forensic accountants in the Country. Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis were used to analyse the data obtained. The findings reveal that whistleblowing practices in Nigeria are done without an enabling legal framework contrast to  most countries in the world; the level of awareness of the whistleblowing policy among the stakeholders is low; reward system implementation procedure is tainted with uncertainties and bottlenecks; the mechanisms to protect the whistleblowers are inherently weak and redundant; and reporting channels for perceived workplace corrupt practices are marred with intimidations. The study concludes that corruption in Nigeria has become a growth industry and complex in nature. The Nigeria Government has consistently failed to adequately mitigate the menace of corruption in the Country. Globally, whistleblowing policy is designed as a key framework to curtail corruption and protect whistleblowers. Hence, for whistleblowing policy to achieve its desired goal in Nigeria, the study recommends that: Appropriate legal framework should be provided to guarantee credibility in Nigeria. Rewards for whistleblowers should be commensurate, timely and transparent. Wrongdoing reporting channels should be clearly specified and open. Consistent and concerted efforts should be made to create more awareness among the stakeholders, while providing ethical trainings for the employees.