BPSR, CCB Champion Ethical Governance for Effective Service Delivery in Public Service
The Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ethical governance and integrity in Nigeria’s public service, with renewed emphasis on compliance with the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.
In his opening remarks at the June 2026 edition of the BPSR Lunch Time Reform Seminar held on Wednesday in Abuja, the Director-General, Mr. Dasuki Arabi, described the Public Service as the “engine room of government,” stressing that the quality of governance depends largely on the ethical behaviour and professionalism of public servants.
He noted that countries with effective institutions are distinguished by strong ethical cultures, where public officers are guided by standards that promote transparency, accountability, impartiality, discipline, and commitment to the public good.
In a statement, Aliyu Umar,
Head of Strategic Communication, disclosed that Mr. Arabi reiterated the Bureau’s commitment to promoting values-based leadership and ethical governance as essential pillars of ongoing public sector reforms in Nigeria.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, provided a comprehensive overview of the Code of Ethics in the Public Service. He explained that the training, organised by BPSR, was designed to deepen understanding of the 147 Codes of Conduct and their constitutional basis, while equipping participants to identify conflicts of interest, ensure timely asset declaration, and champion compliance across institutions.
Dr. Bello emphasised that the Codes are rooted in the 1999 Constitution (Fifth Schedule, Part I, Paragraphs 1–14) and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act (Cap C15 LFN 2004), stressing that the Constitution takes precedence in cases of conflict.
He highlighted the role of the CCB–TUGAR Explanatory Manual, which simplifies the provisions of the Code, provides guidelines and examples, and serves as a vital tool in preventing corruption.
The Chairman also outlined key Codes such as conflict of interest, prohibition of multiple emoluments and private business, restrictions on foreign bank accounts, rules on gifts and benefits, prevention of abuse of office, and mandatory declaration of assets. Practical examples were shared, including cases where relatives’ companies bid for contracts, contractors offered gifts, officers ran private businesses, or assets were left undeclared — all of which constitute breaches under the Code.
Dr. Bello warned that violations carry serious consequences, including removal from office, disqualification from holding public office for up to ten years, forfeiture of assets, and possible criminal prosecution by agencies such as EFCC and ICPC.
He stressed that offenders are not entitled to prerogative of mercy, with appeals restricted to the Court of Appeal. To support compliance, he urged participants to declare conflicts immediately, submit asset declarations on time, use registers to track conflicts, report breaches promptly, and seek guidance when in doubt.
A highlight of the seminar was a collective pledge by participants to uphold the Code of Conduct for Public Offices and avoid conflicts of interest while promoting integrity at all times.
Delegations from the Nigeria Immigration Service, ICPC, the Blue Economy team, and other stakeholders attended the seminar, underscoring the broad interest in strengthening ethical standards across government institutions.
The Lunch Time Reform Seminar forms part of the BPSR’s broader efforts to advance reforms aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and accountability across the Nigerian Public Service.
