The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) is to strengthen its statutory regulatory function with its transition towards On-line Assets Declaration System (OADS) for public officers.
The digital transition is expected to deepen transparency and enforce compliance in the fight against corruption.
Abdullahi Bello Usman, chairman, Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), stated that the bureau as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s integrity framework recognises that, declaration of assets is not just a statutory obligation but a moral imperative.
“While it is an obligation for public officers to comply, it an obligation on CCB to enforce compliance with the code of conduct for public officers which assets declaration is a parcel and part. It is the bedrock of ethical governance,” Usman stated, during a two-day capacity building workshop on the On-line Assets Declaration System (OADS), held in Lagos recently.
The workshop tagged, ‘Improving the Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Processes and Reforms on On-line Assets Declaration System,’ was organised by the CCB in collaboration with Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).
Usman, who was represented by Edward Koyonda, head, department of education and advocacy services, CCB, stated that corruption remains one of the most formidable obstacles to Nigeria’s development. According to him, corruption erodes public trust, stifles economic growth and perpetuates inequality.
“We cannot ignore the reality of our time. Manual systems are susceptible to inefficiency, opacity and abuse. This is why the transition to digital Assets Declaration Platform is not just an upgrade but a revolution,” Usman stated.
According to him, by leveraging technology the CCB will 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,” Usman stated.
Speaking on the importance of the initiative and the workshop, Usman said that it is not merely about deploying technological tools, but also about building capacity, fostering ownership and nurturing collaboration. “Your partnership underscores a shared vision: a Nigeria, where transparency, accountability and rule of law are not mere ideas but living principles guiding our nation’s progress.”
Francis Onahor, senior programme manager, Community Life Project (CLP), in a goodwill message said that the Open Assets Declaration System will enhance efficiency, reduces human error, and fosters public trust by ensuring that declarations are accurate, and easily verifiable.
“This workshop marks a significant step in our collective efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service. As the world increasingly embraces digital transformation, the shift toward online asset declaration represents not only a modernisation of systems but a strong commitment to good governance,” Onahor said.
Eze Onyekpere, executive director, Centre for Social Justice Limited by Guarantee, said that the 1999 Constitution as amended mandates every public officer to declare his/her assets and liabilities at given periods. According to him, the Constitution also empowers the CCB to oversee and manage the assets and liabilities declaration system.
Onyekpere said that the Open Assets Declaration System can only work effectively when declarants understand their duties and how they can practically declare their assets on the electronic platform. “This informs the capacity building which involves public officers being the supply side, civil society organisations and the media from the demand side.
“If every public officer complies with the law, there will be not less than ten million declarations of assets and liabilities. Continuing with the old paper, analogue declaration of assets will involve massive logistics challenges ranging from storage space, processing, verification and follow-up activities,” Onyekpere said.
