The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB)has revealed that its newly created Financial Investigation and Fraud Analysis Unit (FIFAU) has investigated assets declaration papers of 9 Ministers, 43 Permanent Secretaries, and 40 Federal Directors among other hundreds others.
This was contained in a statement by the Chairman of the Bureau, Dr Abdullahi Bello, on Tuesday
The statement which contained the account of his one-year stewardship was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, and was signed by the Director, Special Duties, in the Bureau, Moses Atolagbe.
According to the Chairman of the Bureau, the investigations — the first major project of the Bureau’s FIFAU — identified discrepancies to support enforcement actions against erring public officers and uphold integrity in public service.
Bello disclosed that no fewer than nine ministers, 43 permanent secretaries and 40 federal directors’ asset declaration forms had been verified. This was as he ensured of high-level accountability across key government roles.
He stated that the verification exercise was continuous and is aimed at establishing a robust system for compliance monitoring
Bello stated that, in one year of his stewardship, the Bureau implemented an online asset declaration system with a downloadable CCB Form-1 available on www.ccb.gov.ng, making it accessible to all public servants.
“The digitized system had saved the Bureau millions of Naira previously spent on printing manual asset declaration forms,” he said.
The Chairman noted that no fewer than 199 staff members of the CCB had been trained in investigation, verification, forensic analysis and ethical governance to enhance expertise.
He added that the Bureau had established zonal offices, each led by a Director. They are to conduct intelligence and investigations, support prosecutions and supervise States for faster enforcement.
“To strengthen its enforcement mandate,” Bello said “the CCB had entered into partnerships with local and international anti-corruption bodies. Which included the EFCC, ICPC, DSS, NFIU and foreign embassies.
Bello noted that the Bureau was also being represented at global forums such as the Cambridge Economic Crime Forum and the U.S. IVLO 2025. Where it has showcased Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and securing international support.
According to him, the CCB leadership had also been admitted into the Association of Commonwealth Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa. A development that has strengthened Nigeria’s leadership in regional anti-corruption initiatives.
He noted that the guiding principle of his leadership was encapsulated in the redefined focus of the CCB, captured by the slogan, “Declare or Forfeit.
The Chairman, therefore, charged public officers to declare their assets, ensure transparency in their wealth and shun corruption.
NAN reports that Bello assumed office on 23 October 2024, following his appointment as CCB Chairman by President Bola Tinubu.
Upon assumption of office, he promised to redefine the operational landscape of the Bureau. And to strengthen institutional integrity, improve efficiency and advance the nation’s anti-corruption agenda.