by Azeez Adeniyi

The Ministry of Finance said it has received 2351 tips from whistleblowers just three months after the Federal Government introduced the policy.

Festus Akanbi, special adviser, media to Kemi Adeosun, minister of finance, in a statement said the tips were on embezzlement of government funds, looting of assets, contract inflation, among others.

He said they were received through 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 whistle@finance.gov.ng).”

He added that the commission followed up on 154 tips, 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.”

He said the minister as Chairman of the Whistleblower programme was concerned about illegal sale of government assets, diversion of revenue (IGR), concealed bailout funds, Illegal recruitment and violation of procurement Act.