An anti-corruption lesson from Nigeria, of all places: To inspire whistleblowers, offer cash.
Nigeria introduces a new cash-for-whistleblowing system to combat its endemic corruption problems. Right off the bat, it's a big success.
Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s minister of information, says the whistle-blowing policy has led to the recovery of over $180 million from various corrupt individuals. To report corruption, whistle-blowers need to provide key information via a secure online portal. Offenses that can be reported include mismanagement of public funds and assets, violation of financial regulations, solicitation of bribes, and manipulating data and records. When tips lead to the successful recovery of ill-gotten funds, whistle-blowers are entitled to “between 2.5-5% of amount recovered.” The ministry of finance also promises whistle-blowers that “confidentiality will be maintained to the fullest extent possible within the limitations of the law.”