Legal Framework for Fight Against Corrupt Practices in Nigeria: An Analysis

Abstract

This paper analyses the legal framework for fighting corrupt practices in Nigeria. The facts which prompted this paper is that apart from the constitutional provisions, which provide for a solid foundation for fighting corruption in Nigeria, there are many legislations, regulations, rules, and policies put in place to fight corrupt practices in Nigeria, however, corruption has continued to be the major bottleneck for the development and progress of the country. The paper aims to examine the adequacy and effectiveness of the legal framework. The legal framework analysed in the paper includes the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act, Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, 2004, Recovery of Public Property (Special Provisions) Act, 2004, Public Complaint Commission Act, 2004, Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, Public Procurement Act, 2007, Money Laundering Act, 2022, Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, etc. The paper adopts doctrinal research methodology; this is because primary and secondary sources of law i.e., statutes, case law, and textbooks coupled with online materials respectively were consulted. The major observation of the research is that the legal framework put in place to fight corrupt practices is adequate and capable of eradicating corruption or at least reducing it to the barest minimum. However, the lack of political will to enforce the provisions of the legal framework was observed as a major bottleneck in fighting corrupt practices in the country. It is, therefore, recommended that policymakers should show commitment and seriousness when it comes to the enforcement of the provision of the framework.