The Code of Conduct Bureau has launched a major probe into the asset declaration forms of top government officials, including ministers, permanent secretaries, and directors, as part of its renewed anti-corruption drive.
CCB Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Bello, said the bureau’s newly established Financial Investigation and Fraud Analysis Unit had reviewed over 500 asset declaration forms since its creation.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Special Duties, Moses Atolagbe, Bello explained that the investigations uncovered several discrepancies that would guide enforcement actions against public officials found guilty of false declarations.
According to him, the review covered the assets of nine ministers, 43 permanent secretaries, and 40 federal directors, marking a major step toward improving accountability within the public service.
“The verification exercise is continuous. Our goal is to build a strong and transparent system that ensures every public officer complies with the law,” Bello said.
He also highlighted key reforms carried out during his first year in office, including the introduction of an online asset declaration system. The new platform, accessible through [www.ccb.gov.ng](http://www.ccb.gov.ng), allows public servants to download and submit their forms digitally.
Bello said the digital upgrade had saved the bureau millions of naira previously spent on printing manual forms.
He added that 199 CCB staff had undergone training in investigation, verification, forensic analysis, and ethical governance to strengthen the bureau’s capacity to detect and prevent corruption.
The chairman further revealed that zonal offices, each headed by a director, had been set up across the country to handle intelligence gathering, investigations, and enforcement at the state level.
To enhance its operations, Bello said the CCB had forged partnerships with key local and international anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC, ICPC, DSS, NFIU, and foreign embassies.
He also noted that the bureau had gained recognition on global platforms such as the Cambridge Economic Crime Forum and the U.S. IVLO 2025, where Nigeria’s anti-corruption initiatives were showcased.
“The bureau’s leadership has also been admitted into the Association of Commonwealth Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa,” Bello said, describing it as a major milestone for Nigeria’s standing in regional anti-graft efforts.
Bello restated that the guiding focus of his leadership is captured in the bureau’s slogan, “Declare or Forfeit,” urging public officials to be transparent about their assets and uphold integrity in service.
He assumed office on October 23, 2024, after being appointed by President Bola Tinubu, promising to strengthen the bureau’s efficiency, institutional integrity, and commitment to fighting corruption in Nigeria.
