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…as lawmakers say stronger legal backing for CCB Tribunal, ICPC key to reviving confidence in public institutions

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has declared that reinforcing the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), its Tribunal, and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is essential to combating corruption across the public sector and restoring Nigerians’ diminishing trust in governance.

Chairman of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, Rep. Kayode Akiolu, stated this during a public hearing on Thursday, in Abuja, where stakeholders examined a series of amendment Bills targeting the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.
The Bills under review include:
• A Bill for an Act to Amend the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap. C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and for Related Matters (HB. 275);
• A Bill for an Act to Amend the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act to Remove Spouse from the List of Persons Required to Declare Assets and for Related Matters (HB. 769);
• A Bill for an Act to Amend the ICPC Act, 2004, to Provide for Compulsory Counselling and Training for Convicts of Corruption-Related Offences and for Related Matters (HB. 1574).

Rep. Akiolu said the CCB, the Code of Conduct Tribunal, and the ICPC have long stood “as frontline institutions in Nigeria’s efforts to promote public integrity and accountability.”

But he emphasised that the system has not kept pace with the challenges it faces.

“Over time, the legal framework governing these bodies has encountered various challenges that have hindered the effectiveness of their operations and, by extension, the fight against corruption,” he said.

Stakeholders at the hearing called on the need for clearer laws, stronger enforcement mechanisms and reforms that would allow the anti-graft bodies to operate more efficiently and independently.

The Committee is expected to collate submissions before presenting its recommendations to the House.

He said, “These bills to amend the Acts are a necessary and timely response aimed at addressing identified gaps and weaknesses. Our objectives include enhancing the operational independence of these institutions, improving their investigative and adjudicatory powers, and ensuring that due process and fair hearing are respected in the handling of cases involving public officers.

“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”.

Rep. Akiolu stressed that corruption continues to stall national progress, drain public confidence, and weaken the very institutions meant to uphold democracy.

He argued that giving the Code of Conduct Bureau, its Tribunal, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission stronger support is essential—not only to curb corruption in public life, but also to rebuild Nigerians’ trust in those who govern them.

Opening the session, Speaker Tajuddeen Abbas, represented by the Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Sani Madaki, highlighted the original purpose of the CCB, the Tribunal and the ICPC.

He noted that these bodies were created as vital pillars in the country’s anti-corruption architecture, responsible for enforcing ethical conduct and ensuring that public office is not exploited for private gain.

The Speaker added that as Nigeria’s democracy continues to mature and governance environment grows more complex, it has become necessary to reassess and strengthen the laws guiding these institutions so they can respond effectively to modern challenges.

He said: “As you are aware, corruption has had the most negative impact on our country’s development trajectory since independence in 1960. This is despite the existence of legislations that provided for anti-corruption agencies and empowered them to make every effort to ensure the eradication of this scourge from our society and guarantee that Nigerians enjoyed the benefits of their investments in democracy.

“The opportunity provided by this public hearing enables all of us to critically examine the proposed amendments and evaluate them against our collective national interest”.

“We must collectively ensure that the amended Act fortifies our anti-corruption architecture, promotes quick and fair adjudication of cases, and sustains public confidence in the institutions mandated to uphold integrity in the public sector. Let us engage and dialogue for the good governance of our country”.

On his part, the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mainasara Umar said: “The proposed amendments will “collectively strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework by establishing a specialized, independent, and well-structured Court capable of ensuring swift and effective adjudication of Code of Conduct breaches. The reforms enhance transparency, reduce delays, and promote accountability in the public service. We urge the Committee to assist in fast-tracking the amendment process”.