A new initiative aimed at promoting whistleblowing and strengthening protections for whistleblowers in Nigeria has been launched by Step Up Nigeria in partnership with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF).
The initiative, the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition, seeks to amplify youth voices and encourage creative advocacy for transparency and accountability across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director of Programmes at Step Up Nigeria, Oluwaferanmi Iyanda, described the competition as an avenue for young Nigerians to express their commitment to anti-corruption efforts through creative works.
She explained that the competition aligns with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and is designed to raise awareness, stimulate public interest, and inspire collective action against corruption.
She said that participants are invited to submit entries such as artwork, skits, songs, and other creative expressions that highlight the importance of whistleblowing and the need for stronger legal protections. The competition is open to Nigerian residents aged 15 to 35 and will run from March to June 2026.
Iyanda also emphasized the significance of World Whistleblower Day, urging young people to act as watchdogs and advocate for stronger legal frameworks.
“Advocacy for whistleblowing must start at the grassroots. It is not just about symbolic activities like walks or branded materials, but about empowering young people to actively engage and drive development,” she said.
On his part, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) representative, Dele Oyewale, highlighted the critical role of whistleblowing in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. He described the fight against corruption as a collective responsibility and called on citizens, especially youths, to play an active role.
“Our youth make up a significant portion of the population and are vital in gathering intelligence and advancing the anti-corruption cause,” he said, noting that the effort goes beyond financial incentives and is about securing a better future for the country.
Speaking on concerns about whistleblower protection, Oyewale acknowledged existing challenges but assured that the EFCC has mechanisms in place to safeguard individuals who provide credible information.
“The commission has a robust framework for protecting whistleblowers and has successfully done so in the past. We will continue to deploy available measures while awaiting stronger legal backing,” he stated.
The Communication Manager at Step Up Nigeria, Shekwogaza Kure, noted that the initiative is also focused on changing public perception about whistleblowing.
“Whistleblowing is an act of courage that strengthens democracy. We aim to build a culture where it is seen not as betrayal, but as a patriotic duty,” he said.
Kure added that the submission deadline has been extended to April 12, 2026, with winners set to receive cash prizes and public recognition.
In his remarks, the Deputy Director at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Mohammed Wase, urged young Nigerians to speak out against corruption, warning that silence could have long-term consequences.
“If young people fail to speak up against corruption, they risk undermining their own future, because the future belongs to them,” he said.