The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to publish his declared assets. The organization further urged him to encourage Vice President Kashim Shettima, federal ministers, National Assembly leadership, state governors, and local government chairmen across Nigeria’s 774 councils to do the same.
The appeal follows President Tinubu’s recent indication during his first Presidential Media Chat that he would consider asking the CCB to release details of his assets. In a letter dated December 28, 2024, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group described the president’s statement as a positive step toward accountability and urged him to act swiftly.
“Your consideration is a significant development, but translating intent into action would carry more weight. By asking the CCB to publish your assets, you would demonstrate leadership and a commitment to transparency,” SERAP said.
The group emphasized that secrecy in asset declarations fosters corruption at all levels of government, including in federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as state and local governments.
Reducing Corruption through Transparency
SERAP pointed out that a lack of transparency in asset declarations provides opportunities for the misuse of public funds. They stressed that publicly declaring assets would enhance trust, accountability, and public confidence in the integrity of high-ranking officials.
The letter also highlighted the continued disobedience by some state governors to a Supreme Court judgment from July 11, 2024, which prohibits the diversion of local government funds. SERAP urged the president to enforce this judgment as part of broader efforts to fight corruption.
“Transparency begins with you and your administration. By prioritizing the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment and encouraging asset publication, you can help rebuild public trust and reduce corruption nationwide,” the letter read.
Legal Foundations for Asset Declaration
SERAP noted that Nigeria’s Constitution and international treaties mandate asset declarations by public officials. The group cited provisions in the Nigerian Constitution, the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, and international conventions, such as the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, which Nigeria has ratified.
They further clarified that asset declaration forms qualify as public documents under Section 109 of the Evidence Act, emphasizing the public’s right to access these records.
A Call for Accountability at All Levels
SERAP concluded by expressing hope that President Tinubu would act decisively by directing the CCB to publish his assets and encouraging other officials to follow suit. They argued that these actions would set a strong precedent for transparency and accountability, strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and governance at all levels.
