TheCable

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 [email protected]).”

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.