Abuja: The Federal Government has unveiled a virtual interactive tool aimed at enhancing the understanding and implementation of the code of conduct for public officers. The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, launched the platform in Abuja, marking a significant step towards addressing corruption issues among public officers.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the initiative was developed by the Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms (TUGAR) in collaboration with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). It aims to strengthen integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct across the public service. Walson-Jack emphasized that the tool builds on a 2018 scoping survey and gap analysis of Nigeria’s ethics framework conducted by TUGAR. It is designed to provide a shared understanding of the code’s provisions, facilitate training, and ensure consistent application nationwide.
Walson-Jack expressed that the launch of this tool is timely, noting that without ethics, no reform can last. She described the platform as digital, accessible, and practical for every public officer, serving as a ‘compass’ for public servants by ensuring clarity on ethical standards and eliminating ignorance as an excuse for misconduct. She highlighted that due process must not be treated as optional for an incorruptible public service to thrive.
The tool complements existing regulations such as the Public Service Rules, the Civil Service Handbook, and guidelines on appointments and discipline. Walson-Jack encouraged the CCB to regularly update the tool and integrate it into mandatory onboarding and career development programs for civil servants.
Earlier, Mrs. Jane Onwumere, Director of TUGAR, stated that the initiative is part of Nigeria’s commitment under Article 8 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, which advocates the use of ethics as a preventive tool against corruption. The project commenced in 2018 when TUGAR mapped and reviewed Nigeria’s ethics framework, leading to the development of the virtual tool with the CCB. Onwumere emphasized the aim of ensuring that all public servants undergo this training to fully understand and operationalize the Code of Conduct in their daily work.
Dr. Abdullahi Bello, Chairman of the CCB, described the platform as a crucial step in enhancing ethical standards in the civil service. He noted that the virtual tool serves as a learning platform, explaining each code with clear examples, such as avoiding conflicts of interest and the importance of asset declaration to promote openness and honesty. Bello urged public officers to utilize the tool to guide their work with integrity and accountability.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), called the launch a ‘bold reaffirmation’ of the government’s commitment to good governance. He stated that the Code of Conduct for Public Officers is the moral and ethical foundation of public service. Fagbemi acknowledged that the code has guided good governance for decades, but its impact has been limited by lack of awareness and accessibility. He noted that digitizing and making it virtually accessible is a technological advancement and a reaffirmation of national commitment to ethical leadership. The tool is expected to enhance awareness, promote preventive compliance, facilitate training, and serve as a resource for citizens, civil society, and oversight institutions.