The House of Representatives is considering a new bill that proposes stringent penalties, including a minimum seven-year jail term or a fine of N5 million, for individuals found guilty of offering or accepting bribes in workplaces across Nigeria.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide Effective Deterrence and Consequences for Bribery in Workplaces,” is sponsored by Hon. Paul Nnamchi (Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency) and three co-sponsors. It seeks to tackle bribery and corruption within both the public and private sectors.
Slated for further debate when the House reconvenes on June 17, the proposed legislation prescribes severe consequences for bribery involving employees, officers, or agents in government agencies, private companies, NGOs, and other professional settings.
The bill defined bribery as “the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of anything of value as an inducement or reward to influence the actions of an employee, officer, or agent in the workplace.”
Under the bill, individuals who offer bribes in the form of cash, gifts, favors, or other benefits could face, upon conviction, a fine not less than N5 million, or three times the value of the bribe, whichever is greater, and/or a prison term of no less than seven years.
A more severe penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and equivalent financial sanctions is proposed for those who solicit or receive bribes.
Public officials convicted under the law would face dismissal from service and a 15-year ban from holding any elective or appointive office.
Corporate bodies found guilty would be subject to a minimum fine of N100 million. In addition, their directors or principal officers may face a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment. Such companies could also lose their operating licenses and be barred from public procurement contracts for a decade.
The bill includes provisions for whistleblower protection. All workplaces will be mandated to implement anti-bribery policies and anonymous reporting systems.
Employers or individuals who retaliate against whistleblowers could be fined at least N10 million and imprisoned for five years.
Furthermore, employers who fail to report bribery within their organisations could face a fine of at least N20 million and/or five years in jail.
To ensure enforcement, the bill proposes the establishment of a Workplace Anti-Bribery Unit within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This unit would be responsible for investigation, prosecution, and compliance monitoring.
All assets and funds linked to workplace bribery are to be forfeited to the Federal Government and redirected toward anti-corruption and economic development initiatives.
The implementation of the proposed law will be overseen by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, in collaboration with the EFCC, which will issue the necessary regulatory guidelines.
(Agency Report)
