The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged the National Assembly to mainstream key anti-corruption agencies into the Nigerian Constitution.
In a statement released on Monday, CISLAC stressed that constitutional recognition would provide these agencies with a stronger legal foundation.
This move, according to CISLAC, would ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
CISLAC’s call comes after a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court on Friday, which dismissed a lawsuit filed by several state governments led by Kogi State.
The lawsuit had challenged the powers of Nigeria’s key anti-corruption bodies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
In the ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the legitimacy and prosecutorial powers of these agencies, sending a strong message against attempts to undermine the country’s fight against corruption.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), described the decision as a major victory for the rule of law.
“This is a significant win for the anti-corruption struggle,” Rafsanjani said. “The ruling has strengthened the judicial commitment to ensuring that no individual or entity can hold Nigeria to ransom through selfish legal actions.”
CISLAC praised the Supreme Court for its firm stance on corruption and impunity, noting that the ruling reaffirmed the supremacy of federal laws over state-level opposition.
“We applaud the seven-member panel led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji for their unanimous decision,” the group said. “Their ruling that the case lacked merit is a clear statement that the country will not tolerate corruption and impunity at any level.”
The Supreme Court’s decision emphasized that no state government has the right to enact laws that could undermine the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU, which are federal institutions established by acts of the National Assembly.
“The court’s affirmation of these agencies’ powers to investigate and prosecute crimes at both the federal and state levels is crucial,” said CISLAC. “It is a vital step in ensuring accountability and justice for all Nigerians.”
CISLAC also urged state governments to work together with the federal anti-corruption agencies.
“The ruling should serve as a deterrent to those who attempt to hinder the fight against corruption through frivolous legal challenges,” CISLAC added. “It’s time for all states to cooperate with federal agencies to investigate and prosecute corrupt practices.”
The group also took the opportunity to address the growing concern of corruption within Nigeria’s judiciary.
CISLAC called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to conduct continuous investigations into allegations of misconduct by judges and judicial staff.
“We need to ensure that judges who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable,” the statement read. “Corrupt practices within the judiciary undermine the entire system and hinder the progress we’ve made in fighting corruption.”
Furthermore, CISLAC urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to take swift action against lawyers who are complicit in corrupt activities.
“We cannot allow lawyers to work with corrupt judges to manipulate the system,” CISLAC said. “The legal community must take a stand against any actions that undermine the integrity of the judicial process.”
CISLAC also advocated for broader judicial reforms in Nigeria.
“The judiciary is central to the fight against corruption,” said Rafsanjani. “To restore public confidence, the judicial process must be transparent, efficient, and accountable. Comprehensive reforms are necessary to ensure that the judiciary upholds the highest standards of integrity.”
In closing, CISLAC called on Nigerians to support the ongoing efforts of the EFCC, ICPC, and NFIU.
“Together, we can create a more transparent and accountable society,” the group concluded. “The fight against corruption requires the collective efforts of all Nigerians, and we must remain vigilant in supporting the work of these agencies.”
