CCB uncovers discrepancies in asset forms of Ministers, Perm Secs

The Code of Conduct Bureau has revealed that its newly established Financial Investigation and Fraud Analysis Unit has reviewed more than 500 asset declaration forms of Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and others, observing discrepancies in them.

The Chairman of the CCB, Abdullahi Bello, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday signed by the Director of Special Duties, Moses Atolagbe.

The statement outlined Bello’s achievements after one year in office.

The statement read: “The investigation, which is the first major initiative of the Bureau’s FIFAU, uncovered discrepancies that would aid enforcement actions against defaulting public officers and promote integrity within the public service.

“The asset declaration forms of at least nine ministers, 43 permanent secretaries, and 40 federal directors had been verified, ensuring high-level accountability across key government roles.”

He noted that the verification exercise is ongoing, aimed at building a strong and sustainable system for monitoring compliance.

Bello stated that within his first year in office, the Bureau launched an online asset declaration system, allowing public servants to easily access and download the CCB Form via its website.

He added that the digitised system had saved the bureau millions of Naira hitherto used in printing manual asset declaration forms.

“At least 199 CCB personnel have been trained in investigation, verification, forensic analysis, and ethical governance to strengthen the Bureau’s capacity and expertise.

“The Bureau has set up zonal offices, each headed by a Director, to handle intelligence gathering and investigations, assist in prosecutions, and oversee state operations for more efficient enforcement,” he said.

To strengthen its enforcement mandate, Bello said that the CCB entered into partnerships with local and international anti-corruption bodies, including EFCC, ICPC, DSS, NFIU and foreign embassies

He said the bureau is also being represented at global forums such as the Cambridge Economic Crime Forum and U S. IVLO 2025, showcasing 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, strengthening Nigeria’s leadership in regional anti-corruption initiatives.

Bello noted that the guiding principle of his leadership is encapsulated in the redefined focus of CCB, captured by the slogan, “Declare or Forfeit”.

He, therefore, charged public officers to declare their assets, ensure transparency with their wealth and shun corruption.

Bello assumed office on October 23, 2024, upon his appointment as CCB Chairman by President Bola Tinubu.

Upon assumption of office, he promised to redefine the operational landscape of the bureau, strengthen institutional integrity, improve efficiency and advance the nation’s anti-corruption agenda. (NAN)