CCB chair urges young Nigerians to reject bribes, uphold integrity

File photo: Code of Conduct Bureau Chairman, Abdullahi Bello

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The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Abdullahi Bello, on Tuesday urged young Nigerians to embrace honesty and reject bribery, saying the country’s integrity will be defined by the choices they make today.

Bello spoke in Abuja at the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day public dialogue organised by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice.

The CCB chairman urged Nigerian youths to live with integrity, stressing that personal character remains the strongest weapon in the fight against corruption.

“The youth must also play their part. You have to refuse to take bribes, no matter how small. You also need to live your lives with integrity and honesty because personal character remains the strongest weapon against corruption. You must speak up when you see wrong, even if your voice shakes,” he said.

Bello urged young citizens to hold public officials to the same standards, insisting they must demand honest asset declarations and lead lives guided by integrity.

“Our core mandate is to establish and enforce standards of conduct for all public officers.

“Every public servant must declare their assets, and we verify those declarations. You also need to demand that public officers live by the codes and declare their assets honestly,” he said.

He added that anti-corruption institutions, civil society and “responsible elders” are ready to support youth efforts.

“Let me tell you that you are not alone in all this. The Code of Conduct Bureau, the EFCC, the ICPC, civil society and all responsible elders are with you.

“We are ready to work with you, to protect you and to amplify your voices. Our future will be built on the courageous choices young Nigerians make today,” he noted.

Executive Director of ANEEJ, David Ugolor, said this year’s theme, ‘Uniting with Youth Against Corruption, Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity,’ reflects the crucial role young people play in accountability, transparency and governance reforms.

Ugolor highlighted ongoing initiatives supporting anti-corruption work, including projects on illicit financial flows, asset recovery, social protection and climate justice supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, among others.

He said Nigerian youth “represent the energy, innovation and moral conscience” needed to confront corruption and must be given platforms to engage directly with institutions, development partners and the private sector.

“No government can fight corruption alone. The fight must be collective, grounded in civic responsibility, sustained advocacy and an unshakable commitment to justice,” he added.

The International Anti-Corruption Day is marked annually on December 9 to raise global awareness about the impact of corruption on development, public trust and governance. This year’s national dialogue in Abuja focused on empowering young Nigerians to take an active role in combating corruption.

The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary and defence beats.

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