The House of Representatives is considering a bill that seeks to impose a seven-year jail term or a N5m fine on anyone found guilty of giving or receiving bribes in workplaces across the country.
The bill, sponsored by Paul Nnamchi (Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency) and three others, aims to curb bribery in both public and private workplaces.
It is slated for further debate when the House resumes on June 17.
Titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Provide Effective Deterrence and Consequences for Bribery in Workplaces,’ the proposed legislation prescribes tough penalties for bribery offences in government agencies, corporations, nongovernmental Organisations, and other professional settings.
A copy of the bill obtained by newsmen defines 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 proposed law, anyone who offers or gives a bribe “in cash, gifts, favours, or other benefits” to influence an official action will be liable, upon conviction, to a fine of not less than N5m or three times the value of the bribe, whichever is higher, and/or imprisonment for at least seven years.
It further proposes a stiffer penalty of a 10-year jail term and the same financial sanctions for anyone who solicits or receives a bribe.
For public officials, the bill recommends dismissal from public service and a 15-year ban from holding elective or appointive office if convicted of bribery.
In cases involving corporate organisations, guilty entities will face a fine of not less than N100m, while their directors or responsible officers will be prosecuted and, if convicted, face a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment.
Companies convicted of workplace bribery may also lose their operating licences and face a 10-year ban from public procurement contracts.
The bill also includes whistleblower protections, mandating all workplaces to implement anti-bribery policies and anonymous reporting channels.
It criminalises retaliation against whistleblowers, imposing a minimum N10m fine and a five-year jail term on employers or individuals who harass or victimise them.
The also compels employers to report bribery within their organisations or face a minimum fine of N20m and/or five years’ imprisonment.
To drive enforcement, the bill proposes the creation of a Workplace Anti-Bribery Unit under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The unit will be tasked with investigating workplace bribery, prosecuting offenders, and monitoring compliance.
Assets and funds linked to bribery, according to the bill, are to be forfeited to the Federal Government and channelled into anti-corruption and economic development initiatives.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation is expected to collaborate with the EFCC in issuing regulations for the effective implementation of the proposed law.
The Punch
