August 17, 2025
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) recently called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to investigate allegations that lawmakers in Nigeria’s National Assembly demand ₦3 million before introducing bills. If substantiated, this allegation would represent one of the gravest blows to legislative integrity in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
The Role of the Legislature in a Democracy
The legislature is the soul of any democracy. It is tasked with making laws, scrutinizing the budget, and holding the executive accountable. When such an institution becomes tainted by corruption, the very foundation of democratic governance is undermined. In the Nigerian case, where public trust in political institutions is already fragile, allegations of monetary demands before a bill can be tabled deepens public cynicism and erodes the legitimacy of governance.
A History of Corruption Allegations in the National Assembly
This is not the first time the Nigerian legislature has been embroiled in corruption scandals.
The 1999-2007 Era: During the tenure of Senate President Adolphus Wabara (2003–2005), the Senate was rocked by a bribery scandal in which Wabara and other lawmakers were accused of collecting ₦55 million from then Education Minister Fabian Osuji to facilitate budget approval. Wabara was forced to resign, though prosecutions later fizzled out due to political interference.
The Patricia Etteh Case (2007): Patricia Etteh, then Speaker of the House of Representatives, was accused of approving ₦628 million for the renovation of her official residence and the purchase of luxury cars. Although she denied wrongdoing, the scandal led to her resignation after public outrage and internal legislative pressure.
The “Budget Padding” Saga (2016): Under Speaker Yakubu Dogara, the House of Representatives was accused of inflating the national budget—known as “budget padding”—to divert funds for personal gain. Former House Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, openly accused his colleagues of fraud. The scandal shook public confidence but eventually died down without meaningful prosecutions.
Constituency Project Scandals: For years, civil society organizations and media reports have highlighted how billions allocated for constituency projects were either mismanaged, abandoned, or diverted. Investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) have revealed that many of these projects exist only on paper, enriching lawmakers rather than benefiting communities.
These examples illustrate a consistent pattern of allegations in the legislature, lending weight to SERAP’s concerns that the alleged ₦3 million “fee” for bill sponsorship may not be far-fetched.
The Implication of the ₦3 Million Bribery Allegation
If lawmakers truly demand ₦3 million before introducing a bill, the implications are dire:
1. Legislation Becomes Commoditized: Bills and motions would be treated not as instruments of public policy but as commodities to be bought and sold. Only those with financial resources could influence lawmaking.
2. Public Interest is Subverted: Policies vital to ordinary Nigerians—such as healthcare, education, and security reforms—may never see the light of day because they lack wealthy sponsors.
3. Erosion of Democratic Legitimacy: Citizens already perceive politics as a playground of the rich. Institutionalizing bribery further alienates the masses, reducing faith in democratic governance.
Why EFCC and ICPC Must Act
This scandal presents a litmus test for Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies. Too often, corruption allegations against lawmakers have been swept under the carpet or prolonged in court until forgotten. If EFCC and ICPC rise to the occasion by conducting a transparent, impartial investigation, they will help restore some measure of public trust. Conversely, silence or selective enforcement will confirm the widespread suspicion that “big men” are above the law in Nigeria.
Lessons for the Nigerian People
The Nigerian people must also recognize their power in a democracy. The consistent recycling of corrupt lawmakers is partly due to voter apathy and the influence of money politics during elections. Until citizens begin to hold their representatives accountable at the ballot box, scandals such as the alleged ₦3 million bribery will continue.
Conclusion
The allegation that Nigeria’s lawmakers demand ₦3 million to sponsor a bill is more than a scandal—it is a symptom of a deep institutional rot. It recalls the Wabara bribery scandal, the Patricia Etteh controversy, the “budget padding” saga, and the constituency project debacles, all of which paint a picture of a legislature struggling with credibility.
The time has come for Nigeria to confront legislative corruption head-on. Investigations must be thorough, transparent, and conclusive. For democracy to have meaning in Nigeria, the legislature must represent the people’s will—not the highest bidder.
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