CCB Pushes Digital Revolution In Anti-Corruption Drive, Urges Citizens To Join The Fight.
The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr Abdullah Bello Usman, has reiterated that the fight against corruption in Nigeria cannot be won by government agencies alone, stressing that the responsibility lies with every citizen.
Speaking through Mr Edward Koyonda, Head of the Bureau’s Department of Education and Advocacy Services, at a two-day workshop in Lagos, Dr Usman called for greater public engagement and support in curbing corruption, which he described as one of the most formidable threats to Nigeria’s development.
The workshop, organised by the CCB in collaboration with the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) and funded by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) programme, focused on sensitising public and civil servants to the Bureau’s transition to an Online Assets Declaration System (OADS).
According to the CCB chairman, the new digital system will replace the traditional manual format of assets declaration, in a move aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the public sector.
“Declaration of assets is not just a statutory obligation, it is a moral imperative,” he stated. “The manual system has shown its limitations—susceptible to inefficiency, opacity, and abuse. The shift to the digital platform is not merely an upgrade; it is a revolution.”
Dr Usman explained that by leveraging technology, the Bureau aims to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, reduce human interference, and create a verifiable trail that will help deter corruption. The system will allow public officials to declare assets seamlessly while enabling real-time monitoring by relevant stakeholders.
He emphasised the CCB’s unwavering commitment to innovation, enforcement, and collaboration. “But we cannot do this alone. We need the media, civil society, and every Nigerian to stand with us. Let us harness the power of technology to protect our nation’s resources and rebuild public trust. Together, we can leave behind a legacy of integrity.”
In his opening address, Executive Director of CSJ, Eze Onyekpere, represented by Martins Uzochukwu Eke, underlined the constitutional requirement for every public officer—from the lowest cadre in local government to the President—to declare their assets and liabilities.
Onyekpere noted that the move to a digital system will solve numerous logistical challenges associated with paper-based declarations, such as storage, verification, and processing, and will significantly improve inter-agency collaboration and transparency.
“The benefits of the Online Assets Declaration System are immense. It simplifies compliance, strengthens oversight, and ultimately enhances the fight against corruption,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Francis Onahor, Senior Programme Manager at Community Life Project, hailed the initiative as a significant milestone in promoting accountability and restoring confidence in public service.
With the launch of the digital assets declaration system, the CCB is taking a major step toward a more accountable and transparent governance framework, inviting all Nigerians to be active participants in the ongoing fight against corruption.
