Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said that the House is reviewing existing anti-corruption laws to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and close any legal loopholes enabling corrupt practices.
Abbas gave the hint on Monday in Abuja at the International Anti-corruption Day, with the theme, ‘Uniting the Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity’.
He also revealed that the House is advancing the Whistleblower Protection Bill to encourage individuals to expose corrupt practices without fear of reprisal.
He said the green chamber was also working to amend the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act to enhance its capacity to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
The Speaker lamented that corruption undermines Nigeria’s development in profound ways and also drains resources that could be channelled towards building infrastructure, creating jobs, improving education and providing healthcare.
He noted that billions of dollars are lost annually to corrupt practices, depriving communities of basic services and perpetuating poverty and inequality.
He said equally troubling is how corruption destroys trust in public institutions, leading to widespread disillusionment and a weakened social contract between the government and the governed.
Abbas, however, pointed out that the National Assembly has made significant strides in addressing corruption through legislative efforts aimed at institutional reform and accountability.
He said the legislative arm has passed critical laws such as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) Act, which strengthens capacity to track illicit financial flows, and the Proceeds of Crime Act, which ensures effective recovery and management of assets acquired through corrupt means.
The Speaker added: “The current House of Representatives has prioritised anti-corruption in its legislative agenda, reflecting our unwavering commitment to addressing this issue comprehensively.
“We are reviewing existing anti-corruption laws to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and close any legal loopholes enabling corrupt practices.
“For example, the House is working to amend the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act to enhance its capacity to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
“Additionally, we are advancing the Whistleblower Protection Bill to encourage individuals to expose corrupt practices without fear of reprisal.”
Also, the Chairman, House Committee on Corruption, Hon. Kayode Akiolu, said the committee remained steadfast in its mandate to combat corruption in all its forms.
He said over the past year, the committee has made significant strides in strengthening preventive measures, promoting transparency and fostering accountability.
Going forward, the chairman said the committee was committed to fostering closer integration and synergy with other stakeholders, including the youth, civil society, organized private sector and international partners.
Last modified: December 9, 2024
