The Code of Conduct Bureau says it has begun automating its asset declaration process as part of efforts to strengthen compliance among public officers.

Akinfolarin Feyisola, the South-East zonal director of the bureau, disclosed this on Tuesday during a visit to Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.

Mr Feyisola said the system would become fully online before the end of the year. He said the bureau had stopped issuing physical asset declaration forms, as was previously done. 

He said officers yet to comply are expected to visit the CCB website, download, fill, and submit the forms, pending full digital migration.

Mr Feyisola said the bureau had also introduced an interim arrangement known as a stopgap measure, ahead of the complete transition to an online platform.

According to him, failure by public officers to declare their assets will amount to a breach of the law and can lead to prosecution.

He said the new bureau chairman introduced renewed reforms, emphasising asset declaration, investigation, prosecution and recovery of the proceeds of crime.

Mr Feyisola noted that despite repeated directives by the state government, some political appointees and many career officers in the state had yet to comply with the constitutional requirement.

He proposed an enlightenment programme for public officers in the state, to sensitise them to the implications of non-compliance with the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

The zonal director also urged the state government to make evidence of asset declaration part of the documentation required for political appointments, promotions and employment in the public service.

Mr Feyisola further appealed for government support in providing a befitting office accommodation and an official vehicle for the bureau’s operations in the state.

Mr Otti reaffirmed the importance of the CCB in Nigeria’s democratic system, describing compliance with asset declaration as a minimum standard for all public office holders. He said that no public officer had any excuse for non-compliance.

Mr Otti said that he and his deputy duly declared their assets before assumption of office, adding that all political appointees and public officers in the state must comply with the constitutional requirement. 

He directed the secretary to the state government to work with relevant officials to ensure full compliance by all officers required to declare their assets.

The governor commended the bureau for moving towards a technology-driven asset declaration process, noting that the digital transition aligned with global best practices and the state government’s reform agenda.

Mr Otti said the state had embraced digital governance to improve efficiency and service delivery, adding that those who failed to adapt to technological changes risked being left behind. 

He described the bureau’s automation initiative as the right step toward strengthening transparency and accountability in public service.

Mr Otti also directed the commissioner for lands to inspect the CCB office in Umuahia, with a view to upgrading the facility. He said the state government would also consider the bureau’s request for an official vehicle to support its operations.

(NAN)