Abuja: The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has charged its newly trained officers to reject corruption and uphold integrity in their duties. The CCB Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Bello, gave the charge on Monday at the closing ceremony of a four-week training program in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the program was held at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy, Karu, for newly recruited CCB investigation and enforcement officers. Bello described the training as a landmark collaboration between the two anti-corruption agencies. He said it was the first time the CCB had sent a full set of newly recruited officers to the EFCC Academy.
Bello emphasized that the officers were equipped with the necessary skills required to investigate, examine, and enforce the Code of Conduct. He stressed that integrity must remain central to their responsibilities. ‘Graduation is not the end of training. It is the beginning of responsibility,’ Bello said, urging the officers to protect the confidentiality of declarations and other information in their custody.
Bello warned against the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information obtained in the course of their duties. He assured that the bureau would ensure proper posting, mentoring, and supervision of the officers to justify the investment in their training. Bello also commended the EFCC for supporting the capacity-building program.
Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, highlighted the training as a result of collaboration among Nigeria’s major anti-corruption agencies. He emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration, particularly in training, to improve operational effectiveness. ‘From now, you will begin to see different changes in the way they do things,’ Olukoyede stated, noting the increased zeal and commitment to enforcement and prevention among the CCB staff.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, underscored the CCB’s critical role in Nigeria’s governance architecture. Represented by Mr. Haruna Suleiman, Idris stated that the bureau’s constitutional mandate promotes high standards of conduct in public office, which is fundamental to transparency, accountability, and public trust.
Representing the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo commended the CCB leadership for strengthening officers’ capacity. Oyedepo, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice, emphasized the importance of building strong and effective anti-corruption institutions and urged the newly trained officers to remain committed to their duties.
The ceremony marked the completion of the four-week basic investigation and enforcement training program for newly recruited CCB officers at the EFCC Academy.