Shettima Urges Code of Conduct Bureau to Remain Independent, Apolitical

Published By Ayshatu S Rabo On May 15, 2026

Shettima Urges Code of Conduct Bureau to Remain Independent, Apolitical

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to remain independent, transparent, and free from political influence in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

Shettima gave the charge on Friday while receiving a delegation from the CCB led by its Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The Vice President stressed the importance of integrity and accountability in the operations of the Bureau, warning against actions that could undermine public trust in the institution.

“Remain steadfast. Be as apolitical as humanly possible and do your job as much as you can,” Shettima told the delegation.

He also encouraged the Bureau to sustain its ongoing digitization reforms, noting that electronic asset declaration would eliminate unnecessary delays, improve efficiency, and align Nigeria’s system with international standards.

According to him, public officials should be able to declare their assets and liabilities electronically from any location without the stress of physical paperwork and repeated visits to government offices.

“There is no need for public officials thronging your offices trying to fill in some forms. And you can take them to task, since it has been digitized. You expect everyone to play by the rules,” the Vice President said.

Shettima noted that the world was rapidly evolving technologically and urged the Bureau to embrace modern systems capable of strengthening transparency and accountability in public service.

He further stated that the CCB has a critical role to play in promoting a positive image for Nigeria through effective enforcement of ethical standards among public office holders.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Bureau, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President for appointing a new leadership team for the agency and increasing its budgetary allocation.

Dr. Bello disclosed that the Bureau had introduced several reforms, including the digitization of its operations and processes, while also strengthening verification, investigation, and prosecution efforts.

According to him, the reforms have already led to recoveries both within Nigeria and abroad, including in London.

He assured the Vice President that the Bureau would continue to intensify the anti-corruption fight and uphold accountability in public service with continued support from the Federal Government.

The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to strengthen public institutions and improve transparency in governance.