The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has ramped up its oversight of public officials’ asset declarations, focusing on ministers, permanent secretaries, and other high-ranking government appointees.
This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s public service.
Comprehensive Investigations Underway
According to a statement from the CCB, its newly established Financial Investigation and Fraud Analysis Unit (FIFAU) has reviewed over 500 asset declaration forms.
The bureau’s chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Bello, highlighted that this thorough examination has uncovered discrepancies, prompting enforcement actions against non-compliant public officers.
Notably, asset declarations from nine ministers, 43 permanent secretaries, and 40 federal directors have been scrutinized. The verification process is ongoing to ensure continuous compliance monitoring.
Digital Transformation for Enhanced Efficiency
In a move towards modernization, the CCB has implemented an online asset declaration system accessible to all public servants.
This digital platform, available at (https://assetdeclaration.ccb.gov.ng/), allows for the submission of CCB Form-1 and has significantly reduced the bureau’s operational costs associated with manual form processing.
Strengthening Institutional Capacity
Under Dr. Bello’s leadership, the CCB has invested in capacity building, training 199 staff members in areas such as forensic analysis, ethical governance, and investigative techniques.
Additionally, the bureau has established zonal offices across Nigeria, each led by a director, to facilitate regional enforcement and support local anti-corruption efforts.
Collaborative Efforts in Anti-Corruption
The CCB has also formed strategic partnerships with various anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).
Also Read: Meet Jude Ezenwafor: PDP Candidate for Anambra 2025 Guber
These collaborations aim to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and promote a unified approach to combating corruption.
Public Access and Transparency
While the CCB has made strides in enhancing transparency, it has faced challenges regarding the disclosure of asset declarations from certain public office holders.
The bureau has stated that it is not obligated to disclose asset forms of past and current presidents, vice presidents, governors, and other high-ranking officials, citing privacy concerns.
