The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has revealed that the 10th House was working to amend the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) Act to enhance the agency’s capacity to effectively investigate and prosecute corruption cases.
Abbas disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at the international anti-corruption day, where he lamented that corruption undermines Nigeria’s development in profound ways.
He said corruption also drains resources that could be channelled towards building infrastructure, creating jobs, improving education, and providing healthcare.
The Speaker added 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 noted: “The Nigerian National Assembly has made significant strides in addressing corruption through legislative efforts aimed at institutional reform and accountability.
“We have passed critical laws such as the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) Act, which strengthens our 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 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.”
Reps to review ICPC Act to enhance capacity in prosecuting corruption cases
