LIRS unveils whistleblowing initiative

The Lagos state government, through the Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), has launched a whistleblowing initiative.

The initiative, which was done in partnership with Deloitte Nigeria, is referred to as the ‘Deloitte Tip-Offs Anonymous’.

It provides a platform for individuals to air their concerns regarding cases of fraud and unethical behaviour within the workspace.

According to Ayodele Subair, the executive chairman of LIRS, the facility would aid the promotion of transparency and reduction of fraud within the confines of the business environment.

He also noted that the initiative provides an avenue for full anonymity of the whistleblower and ensures protection from reprisal and victimisation.

“The facility is expected to promote an enabling climate for employees and other relevant stakeholders to report wrongdoings, illegal actions or financial crimes noticed or observed in LIRS administrative and operational activities, without fear of backlash,” he said.

“The engagement of independent assessors in this initiative is to ensure an objective and unbiased review of issues raised. It would also be used to design and build an improved system or serve as basis for internal self-assessment or external review.

“The aim of this policy is to encourage employees and other stakeholders who have serious concerns about any aspect of the agency’s operations to come forward and voice those concerns.

“The facility does not only provide the avenue to report, but ensures credibility of reports through investigation, feedback to the whistleblower and ensures protection for such whistle blower from possible reprisals or victimisation for all disclosures made in good faith.”