The Federal Government has emphasized the importance of public enlightenment in strengthening the mandate of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to promote accountability, transparency, and ethical standards in Nigeria’s public service.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the CCB, Abdullahi Usman Bello, and his delegation to the ministry in Abuja.
Idris stressed that increased awareness among public servants is essential in preventing corruption and unethical practices, noting that many officials have limited knowledge of the Bureau’s functions beyond asset declaration.
“Many public servants in this country do not know so much about the Code of Conduct Bureau beyond asset declaration; this must change through sustained public enlightenment,” the minister said.
He highlighted the Bureau’s preventive role, explaining that its primary responsibility is to stop infractions before they occur, rather than focusing solely on enforcement after offences have been committed.
“The Code of Conduct Bureau is not about arresting people after offences are committed; its primary duty is to prevent those infractions from happening in the first place,” he added.
The minister also called for continuous collaboration between institutions, emphasising that sustained engagement is key to deepening awareness and promoting ethical conduct across the public sector.
Idris noted that enforcement efforts must be complemented by effective communication to achieve meaningful compliance.
“Enforcement and awareness must go hand in hand; without awareness, enforcement alone will not stop unethical conduct,” he said, assuring the Bureau of the ministry’s support in amplifying its activities through its agencies.
In his remarks, Bello described the CCB as primarily a preventive institution focused on discouraging corrupt practices among public servants.
He said the Bureau is seeking strategic partnership with the ministry to enhance nationwide sensitisation campaigns, media engagement, and capacity building.
According to him, leveraging the ministry’s communication platforms will improve compliance with asset declaration requirements and foster a culture of integrity and transparency in governance.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam; Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Press Council, Dr. Dili Ezughah; and other senior officers from both organisations.