Nigeria's Reps Pass Bill on Whistleblower Protection

The Nigerian House of Representatives has passed a significant bill aimed at strengthening the nation's anti-corruption framework. This legislation, which went through the mandatory Third Reading during a plenary session on a Thursday, focuses on protecting whistleblowers and expanding existing laws on the forfeiture of suspected assets.

The bill proposes amendments to the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, No. 92, 2022, and consists of 24 clauses. Notably, it introduces a non-conviction-based forfeiture procedure for recovering properties suspected to be proceeds of crime.

Additionally, it mandates that any interim forfeiture or preservation orders issued by the court must be published in widely circulating national newspapers to notify interested parties. The bill also stipulates that individuals with an interest in the property must file a notice of intention to show cause within 14 days of publication.

The relevant organization is then required to file a motion for final forfeiture within seven days of receiving this notice.