President Tinubu Approves Significant Increase in Code of Conduct Bureau Budget to Strengthen Transparency
Tinubu Approves N20B Budget for Code of Conduct Bureau to Modernise Asset Declarations
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a substantial revision of the Code of Conduct Bureau’s (CCB) budget, expanding it from N3 billion to nearly N20 billion. The increase, confirmed by CCB Chairman Dr Abubakar Bello, aims to modernise asset declaration processes, enhance verification mechanisms, and support technological upgrades to improve the bureau’s operational efficiency.
The announcement was made during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, highlighting the federal government’s commitment to advancing transparency and accountability among public officers.
Overhauling Nigeria’s Asset Declaration System
Dr Bello explained that the existing paper-based system for asset declarations was increasingly inadequate for managing compliance across over 4.5 million public servants nationwide. The 2025 budget had allocated approximately N70 million for printing, sufficient to produce only 50,000 to 60,000 forms. This limitation prompted the bureau to introduce downloadable forms online, which addressed availability but not the systemic inefficiencies of a largely manual process.
The increased budget will fund the development of a fully online asset declaration platform, scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2026. The platform will allow public servants to submit declarations remotely while integrating with key government databases, including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank Verification Number (BVN) system, and land registries to enable instant verification.
Leveraging Technology and Artificial Intelligence
The bureau plans to deploy artificial intelligence to analyse asset declarations, compare net worth at the start and end of tenures, and flag potential inconsistencies or unexplained wealth for further review. Dr Bello clarified that verification exercises have commenced for ministers, permanent secretaries, and other senior officials, emphasising that verification is not an investigation but a measure of compliance with statutory requirements.
Recovered funds from verified cases have already been transferred to the Central Bank of Nigeria, demonstrating the bureau’s active role in enforcing accountability. Bello reiterated that failure to declare assets or refusal to comply with verification invitations could result in investigation and prosecution before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, under the guiding principle: “Declare or Forfeit.”
Enhancing Compliance and Public Awareness
The budget increase aligns with broader government efforts to improve adherence to the Code of Conduct. In August 2025, the federal government launched a virtual interactive platform to educate public officers on compliance requirements. The platform provides accessible training, tracks adherence, and reinforces key provisions such as conflict-of-interest avoidance and timely asset declaration.
Experts note that these measures are critical for institutionalising transparency, reducing opportunities for financial mismanagement, and reinforcing public trust in government operations. By modernising verification systems and integrating advanced technology, the CCB aims to increase efficiency and accuracy while reducing operational bottlenecks.
Outlook
The budget revision signals a strategic shift towards modernised governance practices in Nigeria’s public sector. By investing in technological infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and systemic reforms, the CCB is positioning itself to enhance compliance, strengthen enforcement, and ensure accountability among public servants. For investors, policymakers, and analysts, the reforms underscore the government’s commitment to transparency, offering an indicator of the evolving regulatory and compliance landscape in Nigeria.
