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By Gabriel Ameh
📍Abuja | Media Report
The Federal Government has reaffirmed that public enlightenment is essential to driving accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct across Nigeria’s public service.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Abdullahi Usman Bello, and his delegation in Abuja.
Idris stressed that awareness remains a critical tool in preventing corruption, noting that many public servants have limited understanding of the Bureau’s responsibilities beyond asset declaration.
“Public enlightenment must be sustained to ensure that civil servants understand the full scope of ethical standards expected of them,” he said.
The Minister explained that the Bureau’s role is largely preventive, aimed at discouraging misconduct before it occurs rather than focusing solely on enforcement.
“The Code of Conduct Bureau is not just about sanctions; its primary responsibility is to prevent infractions through awareness and guidance,” he added.
He also called for continuous collaboration between institutions, emphasizing that sustained engagement is necessary to deepen awareness and strengthen governance systems.
According to him, enforcement alone cannot curb unethical practices without adequate public sensitisation, noting that both must work together to achieve meaningful compliance.
Idris assured the Bureau of the Ministry’s support, pledging to deploy its agencies and communication platforms to amplify the Bureau’s activities and promote accountability nationwide.
Earlier, Bello highlighted the need for strategic partnership with the Ministry, particularly in public sensitisation, media engagement, and capacity building for public officers.
He noted that leveraging the Ministry’s platforms would enhance compliance with asset declaration requirements and foster a culture of integrity and transparency in public service.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the Ministry and the Bureau, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration in the fight against corruption.
