By Press Release
The African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) has congratulated Nigerian whistleblower, Yisa Usman, on his international recognition as the closest runner-up for the Ellsberg Whistleblower Award 2026.
The award ceremony was held on March 12, 2026 at taz Kantine, Berlin, Germany, bringing together advocates and organisations committed to transparency and accountability worldwide. The overall winner of the award, which carries a €10,000 prize, was Colombian environmental whistleblower, Andrés Olarte Peña, for exposing environmental crimes in his country.
Usman, a former Deputy Director at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was recognised by an independent international jury for exposing violations of public financial management procedures and recruitment irregularities within the examination body. His disclosures triggered important public conversations in Nigeria about transparency, accountability, and reforms in public institutions. Usman was nominated by the Progressive Impact Organisation for Community Development (PRIMORG) following a recommendation by AFRICMIL. His nomination was considered alongside several others from across the world.
AFRICMIL’s Coordinator, Chido Onumah, served on the ten-member international jury that reviewed nominations for the award, reflecting the organisation’s continuing engagement in global efforts to recognise and support whistleblowers.
While AFRICMIL welcomes the international recognition of Usman’s courage, the organisation notes with concern that he was unable to attend the ceremony in Berlin due to continuing reprisals in Nigeria. Since his disclosures, Usman has faced dismissal from public service, prolonged legal battles, threats to his safety and that of his family, as well as restrictions affecting his movement and access to livelihood. These challenges underline the risks faced by whistleblowers in Nigeria in the absence of a comprehensive legal framework for their protection.
AFRICMIL therefore reiterates its long-standing call on the Nigerian government to urgently pass a Whistleblower Protection Law. A clear and enforceable protection regime is essential to safeguard individuals who disclose wrongdoing in the public interest and to strengthen accountability in public institutions.
The organisation commends Usman for his courage and resilience and reiterates its commitment to supporting whistleblowers and promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
Chido Onumah,
Coordinator.
