The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has explained the legal and ethical reasons public servants are prohibited from engaging in private business activities and operating foreign bank accounts while in service, warning that such practices erode integrity and public trust in governance.
The Chairman of the bureau, Dr Abubakar Bello, gave the explanation in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, describing public service as a sacred trust that must not be compromised by conflicting personal interests.
Bello said the Code of Conduct for Public Officers clearly forbids civil servants from combining official duties with private business interests, noting that such actions raise serious concerns about commitment, transparency and integrity.
According to him, any public officer who serves as a director in a company, operates a business account or acts as a signatory to such an account is deemed to be directly involved in private business, which constitutes a violation of the Code of Conduct.
He also cautioned public officers against operating foreign bank accounts, stressing that the restriction is aimed at curbing corruption and preventing capital flight.
“One of the reasons for this provision is that some public servants divert public funds and keep them abroad. We have seen many cases where stolen government funds are hidden outside the country,” Bello said.
He added that any public servant found to be operating a foreign account is required to close such an account and desist from operating it until after leaving public service.
Beyond business activities, the CCB chairman raised concern over the increasing abuse of gift-giving involving public officers, warning that gifts from government contractors or persons with official dealings with government are strictly prohibited.
Bello further explained that certain categories of public officers, including the President, Vice President, governors, justices and judges, are restricted from working for foreign governments or institutions after leaving office due to national security considerations.
“You are not allowed to work for any foreign government because you hold certain vital information. Such engagements could compromise the security and interests of Nigeria,” he said.
The CCB chairman also expressed concern over the misuse of loans as a cover for bribery, noting that the law restricts some categories of public officers to borrowing only from recognised financial institutions where transactions can be properly monitored and verified.
He warned against the use of agents and nominees—such as spouses, children, relatives or close associates—to circumvent anti-corruption regulations, stressing that public officers remain culpable once it is established that they are the ultimate beneficiaries of any illicit transaction.
In addition, Bello said public servants are barred from belonging to secret cults or organisations whose activities are incompatible with the dignity, transparency and integrity of public office, noting that such affiliations could damage the image of the public service.
On public enlightenment, he disclosed that the bureau operates a sensitisation department, although constrained by limited funding. He said the CCB continues to leverage public engagements and partnerships with ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as heads of service across states, to educate public officers on ethical standards and compliance with the Code of Conduct.
Bello reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to enforcing the Code of Conduct for Public Officers as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and public confidence in Nigeria’s public service.