The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has explained the rationale behind laws that prevent civil servants from engaging in private business and operating foreign bank accounts while in service.
The CCB Chairman, Dr Abubakar Bello, made the clarification during an interview on Sunday in Abuja, stressing that public service must be treated as a sacred trust.
“When a civil servant runs a business alongside official duties, questions naturally arise about commitment and integrity.
“Are you spending your time doing your work? Or are you spending your time conducting private business?” he asked.
Bello noted that holding positions such as being a company director, operating a business account, or serving as a signatory to such an account amounts to business involvement and therefore violates the Code of Conduct.
He also cautioned public servants against maintaining foreign bank accounts, explaining that the restriction was aimed at preventing illicit financial practices.
“One of the reasons why we have that is that, some public servants will steal money from the government and then take it abroad.
“We have seen so many cases of public servants stashing money away.
“So any public servant that has a foreign bank account is supposed to close that account, stop operating it, until after he has finished his public service,” he said.
The CCB Chairman further expressed concern over the misuse of gift-giving involving public officials, warning that accepting gifts from government contractors is forbidden.
He added that certain categories of public officers, including the president, vice president, governors, justices and judges, face post-service restrictions.
“You are not allowed to work for any foreign government because you hold certain vital information.
“If you are working for a foreign organisation or foreign institutions, that might compromise the security and the interests of Nigeria,” he said.
Bello also raised alarm over the use of loans as a disguise for bribery, explaining that the law permits some public servants to borrow only from recognised financial institutions where transactions can be verified.
He further pointed out that officials sometimes attempt to evade anti-corruption regulations by acting through agents or nominees.
“These agents may include spouses, children, relatives, or close friends, but the official remains culpable once it is established that they are the ultimate beneficiary of the illicit act,” he said.
In addition, the CCB Chairman said public servants are barred from belonging to certain organisations.
“Membership in secret cults or any group whose activities conflict with the dignity, transparency, or integrity of public office is prohibited.
“Such affiliations can tarnish the image of the public service and constitute another violation of the Code of Conduct,” he said.
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