WHISTLE BLOWING POLICY: KEY PROVISIONS
The Board and Management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (“AEDC” or “the Company”) are committed to making it an acceptable practice for shareholders, employees, consultants/contractors, suppliers, the Board of Directors, customers/business partners and other stakeholders of the communities in which the Company operates to raise concerns about unethical conducts relating to the Company’s business by any director, shareholder, employee, or consultant/ contractor.
When to Raise Concern
AEDC maintains a culture of zero tolerance for all illegal and unethical practices & conduct across its operations and business activities.
Reportable conducts or violations include (but not limited to):
- Fraud, financial irregularities and all forms of bribery, extortion and corruption
- Illegal information brokerage
- Vandalisation of AEDC property or equipment
- Energy theft (meter tampering, illegal connections, meter bypass)
- Conflicts of interest and abuse of office, improper business conduct
- Illegal sale and installation of meters
- The use of non-AEDC personnel to perform official duties within the AEDC Network
- Sexual Harassment
- AEDC Staff Assault
- Failure to comply with any legal, company and regulatory requirements
- Purchase of goods at inflated prices, inferior goods or contract splitting
- Crime and any other unethical practice
Any personal grievances experienced by an employee, which should be pursued through their respective line managers, should not be misconstrued as a matter for whistleblowing.
How to Raise Concern
As a first step, whistle blowers should raise concerns with their line managers or superiors (Internal). This however depends on the seriousness and sensitivity of the issues involved and who is thought to be involved in the malpractice.
Concerns (Internal and external) can be raised in writing. Written concerns should set out the background and history of the concern, giving names, dates, and places (if known). To ensure the confidentiality of any expression of concern, it is suggested that a whistle-blower either sends a letter/written note in a sealed envelope addressed to the Chief Internal Auditor (CIA) and clearly marked as “Strictly Private and Confidential – To be opened by addressee only” or,
Whistleblowers can raise their concerns through the following dedicated channels:
- Toll free hotline: 0800-TIP-OFFS (0800-847-6337).
- Web Portal: https://tip-offs.deloitte.com.ng.
- E-mail: tip-offs@deloitte.com.ng. OR whistleblower@abujaelectricity.com
- Mobile App: Download Deloitte Tip-offs Anonymous App on Android or iOS devices.
Whistle blowers do not need to sign or give their names. However, where such is done, the Investigating team may exercise discretion on whether to proceed with the investigation as an anonymous complaint.
Safeguards and Whistle-blower Protection
AEDC recognizes that the decision to report a concern can be a difficult one to make, mainly because of the fear of reprisal from those responsible for the alleged malpractice.
The Company, in its bid to drive the highest possible standards of transparency, probity and accountability, will not tolerate harassment or victimization of a whistle-blower and will take action to protect any employee who raises a concern in good faith.
The Company will treat in strict confidence any concerns raised by employees and other stakeholders regarding actual or potential infractions.
The Company will also protect the identity of any persons who raise concerns and do not want their names disclosed
Untrue Allegations
Any allegation made in good faith but not confirmed on the investigation carries no penalty. However, where an allegation is frivolous, malicious or for personal gain, disciplinary action may be taken against the whistle blower.
Applicability
The Whistleblowing Policy is applicable to all AEDC employees, the Board, Vendors, customers, business partners, and any other stakeholder who has an interest in the Company.