Reps Pushes For Seven-year Jail Term Over Workplace Bribery

The Federal House of Representatives is currently reviewing a bill that proposes strict penalties—including up to seven years in prison or a fine of ₦5 million—for individuals found guilty of giving or receiving bribes in professional environments across Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Paul Nnamchi, who represents Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency, along with three other lawmakers, is aimed at tackling corruption in both the public and private sectors. 

The bill is scheduled for continued debate when the House reconvenes on June 17.

Titled A Bill for an Act to Provide Effective Deterrence and Consequences for Bribery in Workplaces, the proposed law targets bribery within government institutions, private companies, NGOs, and other professional settings. 

A copy of the bill reviewed by Sunday PUNCH defines bribery as the act of offering, giving, soliciting, or receiving anything of value in order to influence a person’s actions in the workplace.

Under the bill, anyone convicted of offering bribes in any form—cash, gifts, services, or favors—could face a minimum fine of ₦5 million or three times the value of the bribe (whichever is higher), and/or a jail term of no less than seven years. 

More severe penalties, including up to 10 years’ imprisonment, are proposed for those who solicit or accept bribes.

For public servants, the consequences include immediate dismissal from their roles and a 15-year prohibition from holding any public office—either by appointment or election—if found guilty.

Corporate organisations found guilty under the proposed law will be fined not less than ₦100 million. In addition, company directors or other key officers involved would face prosecution and could receive a minimum of 10 years behind bars. 

Offending companies may also lose their operating licences and face a decade-long ban from participating in government procurement activities.

The bill also introduces strong whistleblower protection measures. It mandates all organisations to adopt anti-bribery policies and establish anonymous channels for reporting corruption. 

Any retaliation against whistleblowers would attract a minimum fine of ₦10 million and a jail term of at least five years.

Furthermore, employers who fail to report cases of bribery within their organisations may face a penalty of no less than ₦20 million and/or a five-year prison term.

To ensure implementation and oversight, the bill proposes the establishment of a Workplace Anti-Bribery Unit under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This special unit would be responsible for investigating bribery in workplaces, prosecuting offenders, and monitoring institutional compliance.

Any funds or assets linked to bribery would be seized by the Federal Government and redirected to anti-corruption and economic development projects. 

The bill also tasks the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation with working alongside the EFCC to develop regulations for the enforcement of the new law.