Abstract
The Nigerian government has recently implemented its inaugural National Anti-Corruption Strategy since gaining independence in 1960, highlighting whistleblowing as an essential method to fight corruption in the public sector. Nonetheless, this policy was implemented without an extensive legal framework to safeguard whistleblowers. This research investigates the efficiency of whistleblowing and fraud reporting systems in government-owned enterprises, particularly at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo. Data were collected from 316 staff members in different departments using purposive sampling and structured questionnaires. The analysis was conducted using mean scores and correlation analysis through SPSS version 26.0. Results indicated a strong relationship in the adoption of whistleblowing policy among employees, with greater implementation noted at the procurement level. The t-statistic values (0.004, 0.009, and 0.000) additionally suggest that the whistleblower policy has a significant impact on fraud prevention and that the current fraud reporting systems are effective. The research finds that complete execution of the whistleblowing policy throughout government agencies is crucial for enhanced transparency and accountability. It advises that anti-corruption bodies like the EFCC and ICPC enhance awareness initiatives to inform public workers about the advantages of whistleblowing in identifying and stopping fraud. Additionally, creating a legal structure to safeguard whistleblowers is essential for maintaining the policy and promoting a culture of integrity in the public sector. Successful execution of these strategies will improve bureaucratic transparency and bolster institutional initiatives aimed at reducing corruption in Nigeria.
Keywords: Whistle blowing, Fraud reporting, Mechanism, Government parastatal.