The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr. Abdullahi Usman, has urged public and civil servants across Nigeria to embrace the Bureau’s new digital platform—the CCB Online Assets Declaration System—as the primary tool for declaring assets, signaling a decisive shift from the traditional manual process.
Dr. Usman made this call during the opening session of a capacity-building workshop on the online declaration platform, organized by the Code of Conduct Bureau in collaboration with the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). The event, held in Benin City, Edo State, gathered key stakeholders to discuss the implications and benefits of the digital transition.
Represented by the Bureau’s Head of Education and Advocacy, Mr. Koyonda Edward, Dr. Usman highlighted that the digital initiative aims to eliminate bureaucratic red tape and strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts. According to him, the platform is designed to offer a seamless experience for public officials while enabling real-time monitoring and accountability.
“This workshop is part of our broader strategy to build capacity, foster a sense of ownership among stakeholders, and promote collaborative efforts between government institutions, civil society, and the public,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Edo State Director of the Bureau, Mrs. Theresa Nwafor, expressed concern over the low level of compliance with asset declaration laws in the state. She voiced optimism that the training would reverse the trend and foster a culture of integrity among public officials.
In his goodwill message, Director of the Centre for Social Justice, Mr. Eze Onyekpere, emphasized the importance of sensitizing public servants on the relevance of asset declaration in promoting transparency. He outlined the key advantages of the online system, including ease of access, reduced paperwork, and the elimination of the need for court appearances during the declaration process.
Onyekpere revealed that Edo, alongside Anambra, Lagos, Plateau, Adamawa, Kano States, and the Federal Capital Territory, has been selected as one of the pilot locations for the training initiative.
The workshop concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, drawing participation from civil society groups, members of the public and civil service, and media professionals.
With this initiative, both the CCB and CSJ hope to instill a renewed commitment to ethical governance and strengthen Nigeria’s institutional fight against corruption.