The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr Abdullahi Bello, has urged staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to strictly comply with the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, warning that ignorance of the law will not excuse violations.
Bello gave the advice during an enlightenment session on good governance and ethical conduct organised for NDDC staff in Port Harcourt.
He emphasised the need for public servants to promote transparency, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, noting that asset declaration remains a mandatory requirement.
“Asset declaration is not optional but an obligation that must be fulfilled by all public servants,” he said.
The CCB chairman advised staff of the commission to complete the Code of Conduct forms and declare their assets in line with the law to avoid being charged with misconduct. He stressed that the bureau was established not to victimise public servants but to educate them and ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct Act.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said ethical conduct remains fundamental to good governance.
He noted that in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on accountability and transparency, the commission was committed to ensuring that its staff uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Ogbuku said the NDDC had begun implementing a new Governance Advisory Report as part of efforts to strengthen its institutional framework and reposition the commission for greater impact in the Niger Delta region.
According to him, the initiative would support the commission’s transition “from transaction to transformation” while deepening staff understanding of its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and code of conduct.
He added that the enlightenment programme was designed to strengthen internal collaboration, accountability and communication within the organisation.
“By fostering unity of purpose, improving communication and reinforcing ethical standards, we can enhance efficiency, promote transparency and position the commission to deliver greater impact in the Niger Delta region,” Ogbuku said.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, said the programme formed part of ongoing efforts to reorient NDDC staff towards a culture of transparency and integrity.
Iyaye, who was represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, said the initiative would help renew staff commitment to ethical conduct and encourage them to become champions of transparency across all levels of the commission.
He urged employees to comply with civil service rules, financial regulations and other extant laws guiding public service in Nigeria.