The House of Representatives has reaffirmed that empowering key anti-corruption institutions — the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) — is vital to tackling corruption in the public sector and rebuilding citizens’ confidence in governance.
Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Kayode Akiolu, stated this during a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. The session, organised by the Committee, brought together stakeholders to examine reforms intended to strengthen the legal and operational framework of the anti-graft bodies.
Akiolu noted that these institutions have been central to Nigeria’s efforts to promote integrity and accountability for decades, but the laws guiding their operations have encountered gaps and limitations that hamper their effectiveness.
He stressed the importance of broad consultation in the amendment process, saying:
“As members of the Committee on Anti-Corruption, we are fully aware that the success of this Bill depends largely on a comprehensive and transparent consultative process. That is why we have invited a broad range of stakeholders to share their insights, concerns, and recommendations. We are committed to incorporating your valuable inputs into the final version of the law to ensure that it serves both justice and national interest.”
The lawmaker further warned that corruption continues to undermine national development, erode public trust and weaken institutions of democracy.
Declaring the public hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajuddeen, represented by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Aliyu Madaki, reaffirmed the foundational role of the CCB, CCT and ICPC. He described them as frontline watchdogs established to enforce ethical standards in public office and prevent the misuse of public resources for personal gain.
According to him, strengthening these institutions is essential for building a transparent and accountable public service.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Mainasara Umar, said the proposed amendments would significantly reinforce Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework. He explained that the reforms aim to establish a more specialised, independent and well-structured judicial mechanism capable of delivering swift and effective adjudication of ethical breaches.
Umar added that the amendments, once passed, would enhance transparency, reduce delays and further embed accountability in the conduct of public officials.
LV