Code of Conduct Bureau Proposes Mandatory Asset Declaration as Prerequisite for Public Officer Salaries

The Code of Conduct Bureau proposes tying public officer salaries to asset declaration compliance while announcing a move to a fully digital system by late 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 3:45 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from THISDAY

CCB Seeks Financial Leverage to Enforce Asset Compliance

The Code of Conduct Bureau is advocating for a significant policy shift that would link the remuneration of public servants directly to their compliance with anti-corruption protocols. Mr. Akinfolarin Feyishola, the CCB Southeast Zonal Director, formally proposed to the Abia State government that proof of asset declaration should be integrated into the payroll requirements for all public officers. According to Feyishola, tying compliance to financial incentives is a strategic move to ensure that transparency is treated as a fundamental requirement rather than an optional administrative task.

Digital Transition Set to Eliminate Physical Asset Forms by Late 2026

In a move toward modernization, the CCB has ceased the distribution of physical asset declaration forms, signaling a definitive shift to an automated system. Feyishola disclosed that the agency is currently in the process of digitizing its entire workflow, with the expectation that the platform will be fully operational online by the third quarter of the year. This transition aims to simplify the declaration process for officials while improving the bureau's ability to track, verify, and store data securely. According to the Zonal Director, the era of manually filling and submitting paper documents is being replaced by a streamlined, tech-driven interface.

Governor Otti Endorses Asset Transparency as Minimum Democratic Standard

Abia State Governor Alex Otti welcomed the CCB delegation, describing asset declaration as a "minimum standard" for anyone aspiring to operate in the public sector. The Governor revealed that both he and his deputy had fully declared their assets prior to assuming office and insisted that all political appointees in the state must adhere to the same constitutional mandate. According to Governor Otti, there is no valid excuse for non-compliance, and he has directed the Secretary to the State Government to ensure that every required officer in the Abia civil and political space meets the CCB's requirements.