Ifeoma Ofili Exposes Deep-Rooted Corruption in Nigeria’s Legislature

 Ifeoma Ofili Exposes Deep-Rooted Corruption in Nigeria’s Legislature

senior official in Nigeria’s National Assembly, Ifeoma Ofili, has made explosive allegations of entrenched corruption among federal lawmakers, accusing them of bribery, report manipulation, and diverting staff allowances. Ofili, a director in the House of Representatives and former Clerk of the House Committee on Local Content, spoke during a retreat organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) on June 27 in Abuja. A video of her remarks has since gone viral, generating public outrage and drawing attention to long-suspected legislative malpractice.

In the viral clip, Ofili accused lawmakers of receiving bribes from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during oversight visits. She highlighted the unethical practice of lawmakers allowing the same agencies they are supposed to scrutinize to sponsor their travel, accommodation, and even dictate the content of oversight reports. “They give you money, tell you what to write, and members will fight over it,” she said. “The clerk and committee assistants don’t get anything, but worse, we’re forced to lie in official reports.”

Ofili also exposed how lawmakers bypass clerks by hiring consultants—who often never attend the events—to write reports for public hearings. She recounted how a consultant hired to write a report had not attended the hearing, prompting her to reject the move and prepare the report herself. “I sat down and did a proper report. They told me to change it, but I refused,” she said, insisting that the truth must be documented, regardless of political pressure.

Her revelations also shed light on the sidelining of committee clerks, who are procedurally mandated to document legislative activities. Ofili stressed that many clerks are coerced into writing falsified reports, undermining their professional role and the integrity of parliamentary documentation. “I don’t use secretaries—I type my reports myself,” she declared, ensuring her version remains untainted even if altered by lawmakers.

As calls mount for accountability, House spokespersons Akin Rotimi and Philip Agbese have declined to respond to inquiries. Meanwhile, Ofili, who is nearing retirement, has been widely praised for her courage. Her whistleblowing has sparked renewed public demand for legislative reform, greater transparency, and protection for civil servants who dare to speak the truth in a deeply politicized system.