Establishment of the International Anti-Corruption Court Bill

A Bill establishes a multilateral judicial body to prosecute grand corruption. It targets senior public officials and politically exposed persons who evade domestic accountability. This mechanism aims to close the impunity gap for kleptocrats.

Establishment of the International Anti-Corruption Court Bill Policy Overview

What Is This Policy?

A bill signalling Nigeria's legislative support for the establishment of an International Anti-Corruption Court (IACC) — a proposed multilateral judicial body with jurisdiction to prosecute grand corruption by senior government officials who evade domestic accountability.

Who Does It Target?

Senior public officials and politically exposed persons (PEPs) who evade domestic prosecution State parties to the IACC treaty Anti-corruption agencies including EFCC, ICPC, and their international counterparts Civil society organisations and whistleblowers globally

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Close the impunity gap for kleptocrats who cannot be prosecuted domestically Complement the International Criminal Court by addressing systematic corruption Strengthen global asset recovery mechanisms Align Nigeria with international anti-corruption architecture

Key Features

Current Status

Funding: Contributions from member states; international donor support for treaty negotiation phase

How to Access

Upon IACC establishment, cases may be referred by member states, national prosecution services, or through civil society petitions. Requirements: Referral by member state government Evidence of domestic prosecution failure Subject must be a "grand corruption" case involving senior officials Application method: State-level referral to the IACC prosecutor upon treaty coming into force

Important Terms

IACC operates under complementarity — it does not replace domestic courts Statute of limitations does not apply to grand corruption under proposed treaty Member states retain sovereignty; referrals are voluntary

Impact & Metrics

Nigeria has lost an estimated $582 billion to corruption since independence; the IACC represents a systemic effort to end elite impunity.

Official Resources

Website: www.iaccnow.org (advocacy website) | www.efcc.gov.ng Contact: EFCC — [email protected] | ICPC — [email protected] Federal Republic of Nigeria — Policy Summary Document | March 2026

Legal Framework

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999; UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC); Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court; Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act