Nvosi, Abia State: The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has announced the rollout of a fully automated asset declaration process, a move aimed at tightening compliance among public officers. The Bureau says the digital transition, scheduled for completion before the end of 2026, will modernise oversight and strengthen transparency in Nigeria’s public service.
Mr Akinfolarin Feyisola, the South-East Zonal Director of the bureau, disclosed this on Tuesday during a visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia, in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Feyisola stated the platform would be fully online by year-end.
He said the bureau had stopped issuing physical asset declaration forms, as it had previously.
“The Code of Conduct is no longer issuing asset declaration forms like we did when you were coming into office.
We are automating the entire system. This year, likely in the third quarter, we aim to be fully online,” the zonal director said.
He said that officers who had not yet complied were expected to visit the CCB website, download the forms, complete them, and submit them, pending full digital migration.
Feyisola said that the bureau had also introduced an interim arrangement, a stopgap measure, ahead of the complete transition to an online platform.
According to him, failure by public officers to declare their assets constitutes a breach of the law and may lead to prosecution.
“The current interim measure requires pending officers to complete and submit the downloaded form via the online platform,” he said.
“They are to go online, visit the website of the Code of Conduct Bureau, download the form, fill it out, and come to submit.
“Failure to do that will mean that such officers have things to hide from the government, and there’s a need for them to be prosecuted,” Feyisola said.
Furthermore, he said that the new chairman of the bureau had introduced renewed reforms, with increased emphasis on asset declaration, investigation, prosecution and recovery of proceeds of crime.
Feyisola noted that, despite repeated directives from the state government, some political appointees and a large number of career officers in the state were yet to comply with the constitutional requirement.
He therefore proposed an enlightenment programme for public officers in the state to sensitise them to the implications of non-compliance with the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
The zonal director also urged the state government to make evidence of asset declaration part of the documentation required for political appointments, promotions and employment in the public service.
“Going forward, sir, there’s a way you can assist us to ensure compliance, most especially when it comes to political officers, by the time they are appointed, I think they do a kind of documentation.
“So, evidence of compliance with the Code of Conduct can be part of the paper they submit before they even start receiving their emolument from the state government.
“We are looking at a situation where compliance with the Code of Conduct will be tied to some incentive in the public service.
“Maybe before you go into the next promotion, you have to show evidence that you have declared your assets.
“At the point of being employed, the first thing is that you have to show evidence that you have declared your assets,” he said.
Feyisola also requested state support for improved office accommodation and an official vehicle to facilitate bureau operations.
Responding, Otti reaffirmed the importance of the CCB in Nigeria’s democratic system, describing compliance with asset declaration as a minimum standard for all public office holders.
He affirmed that public officers have no justification for non-compliance.
“The Code of Conduct Bureau is a necessary part of our democratic system and, for me personally, it is a minimum standard for people who want to operate in the public sector space.
“I am not sure that anybody has a choice. If anyone has not complied, it may be out of ignorance and not a deliberate attempt to beat the law, because the law is very clear,” he said.
Otti also said that he and his deputy duly declared their assets before assumption of office, adding that all political appointees and public officers in the state must comply with the constitutional requirement.
He directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to work with relevant officials to ensure full compliance by all officers required to declare their assets.
Moreover, the governor commended the bureau for moving towards a technology-driven asset declaration process, noting that the digital transition aligned with global best practices and the state government’s reform agenda.
“We look forward to a situation where someone can sit in the comfort of his home, fill the form and return it electronically; that is where the world has gone.
“This is also the direction this government is going; even Certificates of Occupancy are processed and signed electronically,” he said.
He stated the state has adopted digital governance to boost efficiency and service delivery, warning that those resistant to technological change may be left behind.
He further described the bureau’s automation initiative as the right step toward strengthening transparency and accountability in public service.
Otti also directed the Commissioner for Lands to inspect the CCB office in Umuahia, with a view to upgrading the facility.
He said the state government would also consider the bureau’s request for an official vehicle to support its operations.
