Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has vowed to intensify efforts in enforcing compliance with asset declaration laws among public office holders in Anambra State and beyond.
The Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Usman, stated this in Awka, during a 2-day Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (ROLAC 2) capacity building workshop on the On-line Assets Declaration system.
Usman said CCB is committed to transparency and accountability in governance, stressing that it would continue to innovate collaborate and enforce compliance of asset declaration among public officials without fear or favour.
According to Usman, corruption has remained a significant hurdle to Nigeria’s development, eroding public trust, stifling economic growth, and perpetuating inequality.
He emphasises that combating the monster isn’t solely the government’s responsibility, but rather requires a collective effort from society as a whole, involving citizens and public servants working together to demand accountability and transparency.
Usman stated that the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s integrity framework, recognises that asset declaration is not only a statutory requirement but also a moral imperative, forming the foundation of ethical governance.
He noted that manual systems are prone to inefficiency, opacity, and abuse and emphasised need for public officials to embrace transition to a digital Assets Declaration Platform, which he described as a revolutionary step rather than a mere upgrade.
“By leveraging technology we eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, reduce human interference and create an acceptable trail that deters malfeasance. This system will empower public officials to declare assets seamlessly while enabling real-time monitoring by shareholders.
“This workshop, however, is not merely about deploying tools. It is about building capacity, fostering ownership and nurturing collaboration. Within these two days, we will: Demystify the technical and operational aspects of the on-line platforms; Address challenges- cybersecurity, accessibility and compliance – that may arise; Strengthen partnerships between institutions, civil societies and citizens to ensure collective vigilance.
“To our participant, your feedback is vital. The system must be user friendly, inclusive and resilient. Your insights will shape its success. Let us harness the power of technology to safeguard our Nation’s resources and restore public confidence,” he said.
In his presentation on “Categories of Assets and Liabilities,” Eze Onyekpere, the Lead Director Centre for Social Justice, explained that the primary goal of the training was to educate individuals on properly declaring their assets online, familiarising them with relevant laws and regulations, and encouraging public participation in the verification process.
He noted that while public servants are obligated to declare their assets, compliance rates are unclear, and public awareness of the requirement is limited. To address this, he said the project seeks to raise awareness about the laws governing asset declaration and encourage popular participation in ensuring implementation.
Also in his lecture, Koyonda Edward, HoD Education and Advocacy Department, Code of Conduct Bureau, emphasised the importance of the code as a tool for public officers’ self-assessment, enabling them to meet public expectations and scrutiny.
He urged public officers to uphold honesty in decision-making, and shun engaging in corrupt practices as outlined in the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
