The Step Up Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, has launched a competition to encourage young people to speak out against corruption. In partnership with the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa, the organisation is hosting the 2026 World Whistleblower Day Art and Media Competition. Oluwaferanmi Iyanda, the Director of Programmes at Step Up Nigeria, announced the competition at a news conference in Abuja, explaining that it aims to promote transparency and accountability among young Nigerians. The competition is open to Nigerians aged 15 to 35, who are invited to submit creative works such as artworks, music, and short stories that highlight the importance of whistleblowing.
The deadline for submissions has been extended to April 12, 2026, and participation is free. According to Iyanda, the goal of the competition is to change the perception of whistleblowing from a negative to a positive act that promotes public interest. She also noted that Nigeria lacks comprehensive legal protection for whistleblowers, which has hindered the fight against corruption. Iyanda estimated that the country could have saved over N3 trillion in looted funds if whistleblower protection mechanisms were in place. The competition will award a total of N2 million to five winners across different categories.
The lack of comprehensive legal protection for whistleblowers in Nigeria is a major concern that needs to be addressed. Oluwaferanmi Iyanda's statement that the country could have saved over N3 trillion in looted funds if whistleblower protection mechanisms were strengthened is a stark illustration of the need for stronger laws. The initiative by Step Up Nigeria and the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to encourage young Nigerians to speak out against corruption. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's assurance that it has operational measures to protect individuals who provide credible information is not enough, and a comprehensive whistleblower protection law is urgently needed. The fact that the competition will award a total of N2 million to five winners is a good incentive, but it is the legal protection that will ultimately make a difference.
