FG warns officials to declare assets or face sanctions

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Senior directors have been ordered by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to guarantee strict adherence to the asset declaration procedures; failure to do so would result in sanctions.

During a session on strict adherence to asset declaration procedures, a code of conduct, and the penalties associated with violations, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bashir Alkali, issued the warning.

Alkali stated that the purpose of the workshop was to inform the participants about the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal and its application as they relate to asset declaration in a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Blessing Lere-Adams on Wednesday.

According to reports, civil officials are required to register their assets every four years while they are still working for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in accordance with the 14 codes governing public officers in the Code of Conduct Act & Code of Ethics in Government Business.

Due to its sensitivity and significance to the general public, the Perm Sec, represented by the Director of Highways Planning and Development, Uzor Ogbona, said that all other levels of ministry officers will undergo a similar workshop.

“Given the importance and seriousness attached to the issue, the Ministry is determined to ensure that this enlightenment programme is cascaded to all levels of officers from the Directorate cadre downwards,” he said.

He emphasized that the session had to be held since there were more instances of public officials violating the norms, which led to the Bureau issuing more invitations for questioning.

“This has become necessary in view of the report of increasing cases of alleged breach of the provisions of the Act by our officers occasioning their invitations for questioning by the Bureau,” he said