The House of Representatives is pushing a bold new bill aimed at stamping out bribery in Nigerian workplaces — with proposed penalties as steep as a seven-year jail term or a minimum fine of N5 million for offenders.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide Effective Deterrence and Consequences for Bribery in Workplaces,” the legislation was introduced by Paul Nnamchi (Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency) and three other lawmakers.

It targets both public and private sectors and is scheduled for further debate when the House reconvenes on June 17.

“This bill is about restoring integrity and accountability across all levels of employment in Nigeria,” Nnamchi said, stressing the urgent need to clamp down on corrupt practices in offices, agencies, and corporations.

According to a copy of the bill obtained by Sunday PUNCH, bribery is defined 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 caught offering or giving a bribe in cash, gifts, or favours could face at least seven years in prison or a fine of not less than N5 million — or three times the bribe amount, whichever is higher.

Those who solicit or receive bribes would face a stiffer 10-year sentence, along with the same financial penalty.

Public officials found guilty will be dismissed and barred from holding any public office for 15 years.

For corporations, the consequences are even tougher:

Companies found guilty of workplace bribery will be fined at least N100 million.

Their directors or responsible officers risk a minimum 10-year jail term.

Such firms may also lose operating licences and face a 10-year ban from public contracts.

The bill also features robust whistleblower protections, mandating all employers to set up anonymous reporting channels and anti-bribery policies.

Any act of retaliation against whistleblowers could result in a N10 million fine and five years’ imprisonment.

Employers who fail to report bribery within their organisations risk a fine of N20 million and/or a five-year jail term.

To enforce the legislation, the bill proposes a Workplace Anti-Bribery Unit under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with powers to investigate and prosecute offenders.

The Attorney General is also expected to collaborate with the EFCC in drafting regulations to ensure effective implementation.

Any assets or funds linked to bribery will be confiscated and redirected toward anti-corruption efforts and economic development initiatives.