President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally nominated three new members to fill vacant seats on the board of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), a key institution in Nigeria’s fight against corruption and the promotion of ethical standards in public service.
According to a statement issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, this strategic decision is aimed at enhancing the Bureau’s oversight functions and reinforcing transparency and accountability across government agencies.
The announcement was conveyed in an official letter addressed to the Senate President, reflecting Tinubu’s commitment to building a more transparent governance structure. The nominees—Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle from Oyo State, Kennedy Ikpeme from Cross River State, and Justice Ibrahim Buba, a retired Federal High Court judge—are expected to bring extensive legal, administrative, and regional perspectives to the board, strengthening its ability to uphold Nigeria’s standards for public integrity. Each nominee has been carefully selected to contribute specific expertise that will support the Bureau in its complex mandate of monitoring and ensuring ethical conduct among public officers.
The Code of Conduct Bureau, established as part of Nigeria’s efforts to promote accountability and good governance, has served as an essential pillar since its inception in 1979. Tasked with maintaining transparency within public service, the CCB plays a critical role in enforcing ethical behavior, verifying asset declarations, and addressing any instances of misconduct among public officials. The Bureau operates with a 10-member board, each member bringing a unique perspective to the institution’s wide-reaching responsibilities.
President Tinubu’s decision to nominate new board members aligns with his broader governance agenda, which places strong emphasis on institutional integrity. He previously demonstrated this commitment on October 23, 2024, when he swore in Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello as the chairman of the board. Dr. Bello, along with the newly nominated members, is expected to lead the Bureau into a new era of active engagement with Nigeria’s ethical standards, strengthening its capacity to confront complex challenges around corruption and compliance within public offices.
Currently, the board is composed of a diverse group of professionals with expertise across various sectors. The existing members include Barr. Muritala Aliyu Kankia, Hon. E.J. Agbomayinma, Barr. Ben Umeano, and Prof. Juwayriyya Badamasiuy. Other members are Mr. Bulus I. Zephaniah and Hon. Abdulsalam Taofiq Olawale, each of whom plays a vital role in representing different regions and professional backgrounds.
The nomination of these new members signals the Tinubu administration’s proactive approach to reinforcing the Bureau’s operational structure and ensuring it has the leadership necessary to meet its responsibilities. As Nigeria continues to tackle issues of corruption and strives to build a more transparent government, the Code of Conduct Bureau is expected to be central to these efforts, holding public officials accountable to the standards set forth by the constitution and ensuring that those in positions of power uphold the highest levels of integrity.
The CCB’s role has become even more critical in light of recent governmental reforms and efforts to address corruption comprehensively. With the Bureau’s expanded leadership, it is anticipated that the CCB will increase its capacity to manage high-stakes investigations and collaborate with other anti-corruption agencies to create a cohesive framework for upholding transparency within the Nigerian government.
These new appointments also reflect a broader national effort to restore public trust in governance. As the Bureau welcomes new leadership, it reinforces the administration’s dedication to building a Nigeria where public office is synonymous with accountability and honor. The new appointees are anticipated to not only support the Bureau’s current activities but to initiate innovative practices that will fortify the Bureau’s role in fostering ethical governance across Nigeria’s public institutions.
