Abuja (Sundiata Post) – The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, has okayed the transmission from analogue to digital assets declaration, saying that it will eliminate corruption and unnecessary bottleneck in filling assets declaration.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of 2-day capacity building workshop on On-line Assets Declaration system (OADS) organized by CCB in collaboration with Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) with support from the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC 2) in Jos, Usman said that manual systems are susceptible to inefficiency, opacity and subject to abuse.
The CCB chairman, represented by Richard Oketa, said, “We cannot ignore the reality of our time. Manual systems are susceptible to inefficiency, opacity and abuse. This is why the transition to a digital assets declaration platform is not just an upgrade but a revolution. By leveraging technology we eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, reduce human interference and create an acceptable trail that deters malfeasance. This system will empower public officials to declare assets seamlessly while enabling real time monitoring by shareholders.
The CCB boss described the workshop not merely about deploying tools, but about building capacity, fostering ownership and nurturing collaboration with the aim of demystify the technical and operational aspects of the on-line platforms; address challenges- cyber security, accessibility and compliance – that may arise and strengthen partnerships between institutions, civil societies and citizens to ensure collective vigilance.
He added that the workshop also demonstrated a complementary partnership with RoLAC and CSJ and civil society organizations, which underscored a shared vision in Nigeria, where transparency, accountability and rule of law are not mere ideas but living principles guiding the nation’s progress.
Usman said, “Let me remind us all: Anti-corruption reforms are not the sole responsibility of government agencies. They demand a societal movement. When citizens actively demand accountability, and public servants lead by example, we create an ecosystem where corruption cannot thrive. The CCB reaffirms its commitment to this cause. We shall continue to innovate, collaborate and enforce compliance without fear of favour. But we need – the Media, Civil Society, and every Nigerian – to be our allies in this fight.
Executive Director, Centre for Social Justice, Eze Onyekpere, speaking described as part of a systematic partnership, aimed at first developing learning and everyday use materials for public officers on the new Online Assets Declaration System (OADS), and secondly to build capacity across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) at the federal and state levels – six focal states. The states are Anambra, Edo, Lagos, Plateau, Adamawa and Kano states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He said, “For CSJ, the benefits that will accrue from this workshop are legion in consideration of our vision and mission. We envision a Nigeria where social justice informs public decision-making and guarantees respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.
”The mission is to be a principal catalyst in mainstreaming social justice in public life through policy engagements and interventions that bring about economic, political and social reforms, rights enhancement and sustainable livelihoods. The vision and mission cannot be realized in a social milieu of pervasive corruption where an ethics in governance regime is not mainstreamed. Essentially, our commitment to systems change cannot be accomplished with doing business as usual. It entails a new mindset, a new paradigm that leapfrogs existing challenges and provides solutions.
State Project Coordinator, Plateau, RoLAC II, Pwanakei Mantim Dala, in a message expressed excitement over the final realization of the programme.
According to him, support to the CCB spanned over a decade, particularly towards the digitization of the asset declaration process which started around 2013 under predecessor programmes, stressing that one of RolAC’s approaches to achieving its objectives is through coordination and collaboration with stakeholders.
He said, “Asset declaration is not a witch hunt, it is a means to entrenching a culture of accountability in our systems. On a personal note, it is a complementary skill for civil/public servants towards documenting their hard-earned assets. With MDAs and CSOs represented at this event, we hope that the learning will be applied towards improving the adherence to the Code of Conduct thereby contributing to a more transparent and accountable society.
“We also implement our activities through grant awards to non-state actors like the Centre for Social Justice (CENSOJ) which is facilitating a 2-day capacity building on the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) Online Asset Declaration System (OADS), towards improving effectiveness of transparency and accountability processes in Nigeria.”
Executive Director, Kaneng Rwang Pam Foundation for Education and Migration Awareness (KRP-FEMA), RoLAC coordination organization in Plateau state, Kangen Rwan Pam, represented by Atu Awashima, expressed delight that programme was finally seeing the light of the day after months of rigorous planning. She thanked RoLAC for its support for the programme and assured that KRP – FEMA will step down the message to other stakeholders.
