The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has uncovered irregularities in the asset declaration forms of several ministers, permanent secretaries, and top federal officials following a comprehensive review by its newly established Financial Investigation and Fraud Analysis Unit (FIFAU).
CCB Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Bello, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday signed by the Director of Special Duties, Moses Atolagbe, marking his first anniversary in office.
According to Bello, the Bureau had scrutinized more than 500 asset declaration forms, with discrepancies identified in the submissions of at least nine ministers, 43 permanent secretaries, and 40 federal directors.
“This investigation — the first major initiative of FIFAU — uncovered inconsistencies that will support enforcement actions against defaulting public officers and strengthen integrity within the civil service,” the statement read.
Bello said the ongoing verification exercise was part of efforts to institutionalize transparency and accountability in the public sector.
He noted that since assuming office on October 23, 2024, the Bureau had taken bold steps to modernize its operations, including the launch of an online asset declaration system that allows public servants to download and fill the CCB Form electronically.
“The digitized process has saved the Bureau millions of naira previously spent on printing manual forms,” Bello stated.
The CCB boss added that 199 personnel have so far been trained in areas such as investigation, verification, forensic analysis, and ethical governance to enhance the Bureau’s capacity.
He revealed that the CCB has also established zonal offices across the country, each headed by a Director responsible for intelligence gathering, investigations, and state-level enforcement.
To further strengthen its anti-corruption mandate, the Bureau has entered into strategic partnerships with key local and international agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), and several foreign embassies.
Bello added that Nigeria’s participation in global forums such as the Cambridge Economic Crime Forum and U.S. IVLO 2025 has helped project the country’s anti-corruption efforts on the international stage.
“We have also been admitted into the Association of Commonwealth Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, positioning Nigeria as a key voice in regional anti-graft initiatives,” he said.
Reiterating the Bureau’s guiding principle encapsulated in its new slogan, “Declare or Forfeit,” Bello warned public officers against concealing their wealth or falsifying declarations.
“Every public servant must be transparent in their dealings. The era of impunity is over,” he cautioned.
Since taking charge, Bello has promised to redefine the CCB’s operational landscape, strengthen institutional integrity, and advance President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda.
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