Cash Crunch Hits CCB State Offices, Asset Verifications Face Hurdles

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) faces significant funding challenges across its 36 state offices, raising concerns about the verification of assets declared by state governors, their deputies, commissioners, and other political office holders across the country.

The CCB state offices manage thousands of asset declaration forms and documents belonging to political office holders and career civil servants. However, findings revealed that the bureau’s headquarters in Abuja owes its state offices running costs for around seven months.

The financial shortfall has hindered necessary follow-ups on asset declarations submitted by political figures, including governors, deputies, and commissioners, as mandated by the 1999 constitution. This has led to concerns about the bureau’s ability to fulfill its mandate effectively.

The bureau was allocated ₦2.6 billion in the 2023 Appropriation Act, but Acting Chairman Murtala Kankia presented a budget proposal of ₦49 billion to the Senate and House of Representatives committees, citing underfunding as a major impediment to the bureau’s operations.

Over the last five years, the CCB has received a total of ₦15.24 billion in budget allocations. Despite the funding, state offices are struggling to pay for utilities, maintenance, and personnel, including security guards and drivers.

The lack of funds has paralyzed operations, preventing the bureau from verifying asset declarations and following up with politically exposed persons. This situation raises concerns about the CCB’s ability to ensure accountability and uphold ethical standards in public service.

While the CCB headquarters denies any funding issues in state offices, sources within the bureau confirm the financial strain. As the situation persists, there are growing calls for the government to address the bureau’s funding challenges and ensure its effective operation.