Assessing the Role of the Code of Conduct Bureau in Promoting Transparency and Accountability in the Nigerian Public Service

Abstract

Transparency and Accountability constitute the bedrock of good governance in Nigeria’s public service. The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) was established to promote these values by enforcing ethical standards among public officials. This study conceptually assess the role of the CCB in promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector. The objectives are to evaluate the Bureau’s effectiveness in enforcing compliance with ethical standards, assess the impact of its activities on transparency in governance, and analyse its contribution to accountability mechanisms. The study relies on secondary data sourced from academic literature, legal frameworks, and policy documents. Findings reveal that although the CCB has contributed to ethical awareness and transparency, its performance remains constrained by inadequate resources, political interference, and weak enforcement capacity. The study concludes that strengthening institutional independence, enhancing public trust, and improving enforcement mechanisms are essential to the Bureau’s effectiveness. It recommends adequate funding, legislative support, and public sensitisation to reinforce the CCB’s mandate and operational efficiency.

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