CCB Chairman Urges Youths To Shun Bribery, Champion Integrity

The chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Abdullahi Bello, has urged young Nigerians to embrace honesty and reject bribery, saying the nation’s integrity will be shaped by the choices they make today.

Bello made the call in Abuja during the 2025 International Anti-Corruption Day public dialogue organised by the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ).

He stressed that personal character remains the strongest weapon in the fight against corruption, calling on youths to live with integrity and speak up against wrongdoing.

“You have to refuse to take bribes, no matter how small. You must 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,” Bello said.

He also urged young citizens to hold public officials accountable by demanding honest asset declarations and adherence to established codes of conduct.

“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.

Bello assured youths that anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations and community leaders are ready to support their efforts.

“You are not alone. 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 added.

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

Ugolor highlighted ongoing initiatives on illicit financial flows, asset recovery, social protection and climate justice, supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

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

“The fight against corruption must be collective, grounded in civic responsibility, sustained advocacy and an unshakable commitment to justice,” he said.

International Anti-Corruption Day is marked annually on December 9 to raise global awareness about the damaging effects 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 the anti-corruption fight.