The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has charged the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to remain apolitical and uphold strict independence in the discharge of its duties, stressing the need for integrity, transparency, and accountability in public service.

He also urged the Bureau to sustain its ongoing digitization efforts, noting that electronic asset and liability declaration would eliminate delays associated with paper-based processes and align Nigeria’s systems with global best practices.

Senator Shettima gave the charge on Friday when he received a delegation from the CCB led by its Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He congratulated the new leadership of the Bureau and cautioned them against being drawn into controversies, urging them to remain focused on their mandate.

“Remain steadfast. Be as apolitical as humanly possible and do your job as much as you can,” he said, while commending the Bureau’s reform efforts, particularly its digital transition, which he noted was in line with global standards.

The Vice President emphasized that digitization would enhance compliance and accountability, adding that public officers should no longer be burdened with physical paperwork.

“There is no need for public officials thronging your offices trying to fill in some forms. And you can take them to task, since it has been digitized. You expect everyone to play by the rules,” he added.

Earlier, Dr. Bello commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President for their support and increased budgetary provision for the Bureau, noting that the CCB had strengthened its verification, investigation, and prosecution processes, resulting in recoveries within and outside Nigeria, including in London.

He assured that with continued government support, the Bureau would sustain its anti-corruption drive for the benefit of the country.