Newly recruited officers of the Code of Conduct Bureau have been warned that their biggest test may not come from an examination room, but from powerful public officials attempting to influence their work.
CCB Chairman Dr Abdullahi Bello delivered the warning on Monday during the closing ceremony of a four-week training programme for newly recruited investigation and enforcement officers in Abuja.
The programme, held at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Academy in Karu, trained the officers in investigating, examining and enforcing Nigeria’s Code of Conduct requirements.
However, Bello told the graduates that technical knowledge alone would not determine whether they succeeded.
Their integrity would.
‘Some will test you with a small envelope’
Bello told the officers they would encounter public officials with considerably more wealth, influence and connections than they possess.
Some, he warned, could attempt to intimidate them, while others might try a different approach.
“Some will test you with fear; some will test you with a small envelope and a nice smile. If you fail that test, this result means nothing,” Bello said.
He reminded the graduates that completing their training marked the beginning of greater responsibility rather than the end of their learning.
Their duties will include handling asset declarations, assisting with verification and participating in investigations involving public officers.
CCB warns against leaking confidential information
Beyond rejecting bribes, Bello warned the officers to protect sensitive information obtained through their work.
Asset declarations and other confidential records in their custody must not be disclosed without authorisation, he said.
The CCB chairman added that the bureau would ensure the new officers were properly posted, supervised and mentored to maximise the investment made in their training.
He also commended the EFCC for allowing the CCB to use its academy, describing the programme as a landmark collaboration between both anti-corruption agencies.
According to Bello, it was the first time the CCB had sent a complete group of newly recruited officers to the EFCC Academy for training.
EFCC expects stronger enforcement
EFCC Executive Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede said the programme resulted from an agreement among Nigeria’s major anti-corruption institutions to improve collaboration, particularly in training.
Olukoyede said the training should produce noticeable improvements in how CCB officers operate, including stronger enforcement and greater commitment to corruption prevention.
Fighting corruption requires more than arrests — Idris
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, represented by the ministry’s Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Haruna Suleiman, said the CCB occupies an important position in Nigeria’s governance system.
He said its responsibility for promoting standards of conduct in public office contributes to transparency, accountability and public confidence.
Idris argued that Nigeria cannot defeat corruption through enforcement alone.
According to him, prevention, ethical leadership, public enlightenment and strong institutions are also necessary.
He added that government institutions, citizens, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the media all have roles to play.
‘Will you compromise?’
Representing Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo also challenged the officers to resist pressure throughout their careers.
He said Nigeria needs strong institutions and officials capable of demanding accountability, including explanations about the sources of wealth of public office holders.
Oyedepo challenged the graduates to consider whether they would maintain their standards throughout their years of service or eventually compromise their responsibilities.
He said Nigeria needed their professionalism, integrity and courage.
The ceremony formally concluded the four-week basic investigation and enforcement training programme for the newly recruited CCB officers.
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