The House of Representatives has moved closer to introducing mandatory counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offences.
A bill seeking to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 scaled second reading on Wednesday.
The proposed amendment, sponsored by Kayode Akiolu, who represents Lagos Island II Federal Constituency, aims to expand Section 67 of the Principal Act.
The amendment will require judges and magistrates to impose compulsory counselling and training alongside imprisonment and fines for corrupt convicts.
While leading the debate on the bill, Akiolu explained that the counselling sessions would be designed and delivered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria.
The programme, intended to last at least four weeks, aims to reform the mindset of offenders and equip them with anti-corruption values.
He drew parallels between corrupt behaviour and kleptomania, a psychological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to steal.
Akiolu said, “The anti-corruption counselling and training will help wean convicts off corrupt tendencies and even turn them into anti-corruption advocates.
“This aligns with the reformative goal of our criminal justice system, which is not just about punishment but also about rehabilitation.”
To mitigate financial strain on the government, the bill proposes that judges and magistrates may require convicts to bear the cost of their anti-corruption counselling and training.
Akiolu urged his colleagues to support the bill, stressing its potential to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive.
“If passed, this bill will bolster the fight against corruption, a menace that continues to plague our nation. It is a step toward achieving systemic reform and accountability,” he added.