The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has offered a compelling justification for the stringent regulations prohibiting public servants from simultaneously engaging in private business ventures and maintaining foreign bank accounts.
Dr. Abubakar Bello, the Chairman of the CCB, clarified these measures in an exclusive interview with newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, asserting that public service constitutes a “sacred trust that must not be compromised.”
Dr. Bello positioned the prohibitions as crucial measures to uphold the integrity and undivided commitment demanded by state service. Regarding the combination of official duties and commerce, he asked rhetorically: “When a civil servant runs a business alongside official duties, questions naturally arise about commitment and integrity. Are you spending your time doing your work? Or are you spending your time conducting private business?”
The Chairman underscored that any direct involvement in private enterprise including being a director in a company, operating a business account, or acting as a signatory to such an account clearly indicates a business entanglement and therefore constitutes a fundamental breach of the ethical code.
The CCB boss was equally unequivocal regarding the absolute prohibition on public servants operating accounts in foreign financial institutions. This mandate, he explained, serves as a vital firewall against the illicit movement of state assets.
“One of the reasons why we have that is that, some public servants will steal money from the government and then take it abroad,” Dr. Bello stated, noting the bureau has documented numerous instances of officials stashing funds overseas. He issued a firm warning: “Any public servant that has a foreign bank account is supposed to close that account, stop operating it, until after he has finished his public service.”
Beyond core fiduciary duties, the CCB also raised concerns over increasingly sophisticated methods used to obscure corruption. Dr. Bello highlighted the growing misuse of loans, which are often employed as a subtle cover for bribery. Consequently, the law strictly limits certain categories of public servants to borrowing exclusively from recognised financial institutions, ensuring the legitimacy of such transactions can be verified by the relevant authorities.
Further attention was paid to the use of agents and nominees such as spouses, children, relatives, or close friends as a tactic to bypass anti-corruption rules. Dr. Bello stressed that the public official remains culpable once it is established that they are the ultimate beneficiary of the illicit act, regardless of whose name appears on the papers.
The Chairman also reaffirmed the strict prohibition on accepting gifts from government contractors, and warned against unacceptable affiliations. Membership in secret cults or any group whose activities conflict with the dignity, transparency, or integrity of public office is strictly forbidden, as such associations can severely tarnish the image of the public service.
The CCB also maintains rigid restrictions on high-level officials following their tenure. Dr. Bello reminded that a category of senior public servants including the President, Vice President, Governors, and members of the judiciary are banned from working for any foreign government or institution once they leave office. This restriction is essential to prevent the compromise of Nigeria’s security and national interests, given the vital information such officials possess.
Despite acknowledging funding inhibition, Dr. Bello reaffirmed the commitment of the CCB to sensitisation efforts. He confirmed that the bureau is partnering with Heads of Service across all states and seizing every public speaking opportunity to enlighten workers on the Code of Conduct.
The Chairman concluded by reiterating the bureau’s dedication to rigorously enforcing ethical standards across the public sector to promote transparency, accountability, and ultimately, public trust.
