Bureau Reiterates Commitment to End Corruption in Nigerian Public Services

The Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB says it is poised to end corrupt practices in Nigerian public services.

The Chairman of the Bureau, Professor Mohammed Isah, reiterated the commitment at a workshop organised for staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

The workshop was held in consonance with assets declaration and code of conduct for public officers.

Professor Isah said the bureau would continue to educate public officers on the importance of maintaining a high standard of morality in the conduct of government businesses.

He said that in implementing its mandate, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provided the Bureau with legal powers to prosecute offenders.

“It is our mandate to receive assets declaration by public officers, in line with the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, we are also committed to ensuring that public officers comply with the code of conduct expected of a public officer. That is why we are taking our time to go around different organisations to enlighten them on the need to abide by these codes,” Professor Isah said.

He noted that the codes are a set of moral principles or rules of behaviour that are generally accepted by a society or organisation that helps to regulate the conduct of public officers, from the President to the lowest officer in the public service.

“It is expected of them to see themselves as professionals – working to develop capacity and competence needed for his or her job with confidence and acceptable level of expertise,” he added.

Deputy Governor, Corporate Services of the CBN, Mr Edward Adamu, called on the staff to strictly adhere to and periodically declare their assets

He said that it would provide an avenue where values and ethical standards are not compromised.

“In the course of monitoring the asset declaration status bankwide, we have noted the difficulties faced by staff when completing the forms.” Mr Adamu said.

He added that this Programme was aimed at addressing issues and shedding more light on the importance of voluntary compliance with the legal requirement.

Confidence Okwuchi