CORRUPT PRACTICES & OTHER RELATED OFFENCES ACT (

A Bill amends the Corrupt Practices Act by introducing rehabilitative measures for convicted persons through mandatory counselling and training programs. It targets offenders and judicial officers to enforce this reformative approach. The intended outcome is to reform individuals and reintegrate them as ethical citizens.

What Is This Bill?

The Amendment Bill seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework by introducing rehabilitative measures for convicted persons. Rather than focusing solely on punishment through imprisonment or fines, the Bill emphasizes mandatory counselling and training programs. The idea is to reform offenders, equip them with ethical awareness, and reintegrate them into society as productive citizens.

Who Does It Target?

While the principal Act (2000) broadly targets corruption across public and private life, the Amendment Bill (2024) adds a new layer of focus on convicted offenders, requiring rehabilitation through counselling and training, and on judicial officers who must enforce this reformative approach.

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

The Bill recognizes that corruption is not only a crime but also a behavioral issue that requires reform. While the principal Act of 2000 focused mainly on deterrence through investigation, prosecution, and punishment, the Amendment Bill introduces mandatory counselling and training programs for convicted offenders

Key Features

Judicial Responsibility Judges and magistrates are legally mandated to incorporate counselling and training into sentencing decisions. Balanced Justice Approach The Bill combines deterrence (punishment) with reform (rehabilitation), aligning with modern criminal justice practices. Preventive Strategy By reforming offenders, the Bill aims to reduce repeat offences (recidivism) and promote integrity in public and private life.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: second reading Coverage: applies nationwide Funding: Rep. Kayode Akiolu (APC – Lagos Island II).

Important Terms

Term 1-Mandatory Counselling The Bill introduces counselling as a compulsory part of sentencing for individuals convicted of corruption offences. This means that beyond serving prison terms or paying fines, offenders must undergo structured sessions designed to reform their mindset, instill ethical awareness, and help them understand the broader consequences of corruption on society. It shifts the justice system from being purely punitive to also being rehabilitative. Term 2- Mandatory Training Convicts are also required to participate in vocational or professional training programs. The purpose is to equip them with practical skills that will aid their reintegration into society after serving their sentence. By providing offenders with tools for productive living, the Bill aims to reduce repeat offences and encourage them to contribute positively to national development.

Official Resources

National Assembly of Nigeria (Bill Tracker) https://nass.gov.ng Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) https://icpc.gov.ng Federal Ministry of Justice https://justice.gov.ng Nigeria Legal Information Institute (NigerLII) http://www.nigerlii.org Federal Government Gazette Link to document- https://icpc.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2012/09/CORRUPT-PRACTICES-ACT-2010.pdf

Legal Framework

The ICPC Act Amendment Bill operates under the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) Act 2000, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and the Correctional Services Act 2019. It aligns with the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) Article 30 (sanctions and measures) and emerging international best practices on restorative justice and rehabilitation in anti-corruption enforcement frameworks.