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 undermine integrity and public trust.
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.
According to Bello, when a civil servant combines official duties with private business, questions naturally arise about commitment and integrity. He said being a director in a company, operating a business account, or acting as a signatory to such an account constitutes clear business involvement and violates the Code of Conduct.
He also cautioned that public officers are prohibited from operating foreign bank accounts, noting that the provision is aimed at curbing corruption and capital flight.
“One of the reasons for this rule is that some public servants steal government funds and keep them abroad. We have seen many cases of public servants stashing money outside the country,” Bello said.
“Any public servant with a foreign bank account is expected to close it and stop operating it until after leaving public service.”
Beyond business activities, the CCB chairman raised concerns over the increasing abuse of gift-giving involving public officers, warning that gifts from government contractors 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, citing national security concerns.
“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 servants to borrowing only from recognised financial institutions where transactions can be properly verified.
He warned against the use of agents and nominees—such as spouses, children, relatives or close friends—to bypass anti-corruption rules, stressing that public officers remain culpable once it is established that they are the ultimate beneficiaries of any illicit act.
Additionally, Bello said public servants are barred from belonging to secret cults or organisations whose activities conflict with the dignity, transparency and integrity of public office, describing such affiliations as capable of tarnishing the image of the public service.
On public enlightenment, Bello disclosed that the bureau has a sensitisation department, though 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 workers on ethical standards.
He reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to enforcing the Code of Conduct in order to promote transparency, accountability and public confidence in the public service.
