CCB Officers Complete EFCC Academy Training

Ninety-four newly recruited CCB officers have completed a four-week training programme at the EFCC Academy in Abuja.

The CCB officers graduated after receiving instruction in basic investigation and enforcement, with senior officials stressing integrity, professionalism, discipline and confidentiality.

The programme ended on Monday with a ceremony at the EFCC Academy in Karu, Abuja. During the event, the 94 officers who completed the assessment, 32 scored at least 80 per cent, while 50 achieved 70 per cent or more. “Three officers scored CCB Chairman Abdullahi Bello announced the results of the assessment taken by the participants.

Of the 94 officers who completed the assessment, 32 scored at least 80 per cent, while 50 achieved 70 per cent or more. “Three officers scored 90 per cent and above,” Mr Bello said.

However, he did not disclose the score range for the remaining nine officers.

Mr Bello also said 102 newly recruited officers had started the four-week course, but he did not explain what happened to the eight recruits who did not complete the assessment.

He described the programme as historic because it was the first time the CCB had said Nigeria needed officers who would carry out their duties without fear or favour. He also warned that people under sent an entire group of newly recruited officers to the academy for training in investigation and enforcement.

The chairman said the course was important because the bureau needs officers who can investigate, examine and enforce the Code of Conduct for Public Officers while maintaining high standards of personal integrity.

He reminded the graduates that completing the programme marked the start of their “responsibilities rather than the end of their training.”

Mr Bello said Nigeria needed officers who would carry out their duties without fear or favour. He also warned that people under investigation might try to influence officers through threats, gifts or promises.

He instructed the graduates to protect confidential declarations and case files, refuse gifts or favours that could affect their work, and carry out detailed investigations.

“Unauthorised disclosure is not carelessness; it is an offence,” he said.

He urged the new officers to serve “with integrity. Serve with courage. Serve Nigeria.”

At the ceremony, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede also highlighted professionalism, discipline and excellence as important principles for the officers.

“You don’t give what you don’t have,” he said, encouraging them to maintain high standards in both their work and personal conduct.

Mr Olukoyede said courage would matter because the officers could face pressure when making difficult decisions. He urged them to “stand by difficult decisions when necessary.”

He also stressed the importance of integrity and warned the officers against involvement in corrupt practices.

“You must learn to say no to corrupt practices,” he said.

“And so be careful. Do your job diligently,” the EFCC chairman added.

Mr Olukoyede congratulated the graduates and welcomed them to what he called “the world of challenges” and “the world of battle.”

Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, represented Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi. He also urged the officers to protect their integrity.

He said they were entering public service at a time when concerns about the moral standards of public servants were increasing. Referring to a situation “where a public servant of Grade Level 8 can no longer explain the source of his income,” he asked: “Will you compromise? Will you betray Nigeria? Nigeria is in need of you.”

He expressed hope that the officers would retain the lessons from the course throughout their careers.

Representing the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Malagi, Suleiman Haruna said the new skills must lead to professional conduct and effective performance.

He noted that the work of CCB officers could directly influence public confidence in government. He described the fight against corruption as a shared responsibility involving government agencies, the media, civil society, professional bodies and citizens.

Mr Haruna said the CCB holds an important place in Nigeria’s governance system because its constitutional duties include promoting high standards of conduct in public office and enforcing the Code of Conduct for public officers.

He said the focus on investigation, enforcement, discipline, integrity, professionalism and confidentiality was therefore important to “public confidence in government institutions.”

He added that tackling corruption required more than enforcement. Prevention Orientation had an important role in communicating these values. He explained that government communication goes, ethical leadership, public education, strong institutions and a culture that rejects corruption were also necessary.

Mr Haruna said the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation had an important role in communicating these values. He explained that government communication goes beyond announcing policies and activities. It also helps citizens understand the values and responsibilities that support good governance.

He urged the officers to demonstrate the integrity they would be expected to enforce.

The ministry, he added, would continue using its communication platforms and media engagement to help Nigerians understand institutions such as the CCB and their importance to national development.

Representatives of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other institutions also praised the partnership between the CCB and EFCC.

Retired Federal High Court judge Ibrahim Buba also commended the collaboration.

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) Director, Hafsat Bakari, was represented by Babagana Bashir, Chief Operating Officer of the Finance Sector. He told the graduates that financial intelligence only becomes useful when officers assess information carefully, confirm it properly and handle it thoroughly.

The EFCC Academy said the course aimed to improve the officers’ professional knowledge, investigative ability, discipline and ethical standards.

The academy said corruption continues to change and become more complex, making cooperation, knowledge-sharing and professional development important for institutions working within their separate mandates.

Representing Acting Commandant Joseph Ogwiji, course coordinator Stephanie Philip formally presented the 2026 CCB Cadet Class to the bureau.

Mrs Philip said the officers were ready for deployment. She explained that many arrived with limited understanding of what service with the CCB involved but completed the course as more disciplined, informed and prepared officers.

The programme covered four main areas: legal framework, investigations, field studies and general studies.

The legal training included “the Code of Conduct Act, Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Money Laundering Act, Proceeds of Crime Act, Public Service Rules, the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution and asset declaration procedures.”

The officers also studied ethics and the core values of integrity, accountability and patriotism.

At the ceremony, Ahmad Adam received the Best in Command and Leadership award. Speaking for the graduates, she said:

“This basic investigation and enforcement training at the EFCC Academy has equipped us with the knowledge, discipline and skills needed to serve our nation better,”

She added that the instructors had challenged and shaped the officers during the programme.

Other award recipients included Asuku Maryam Ahuoiza, who was named Overall Best Trainee, and Dokubo Onengiye William, who became First Runner-Up in the overall ranking.

Ikpor Elvis Chiemerie was named Second Runner-Up, while Adanegbe Odosa received the Most Transformed Trainee award.

The four-week programme began on 10 August, when the CCB and EFCC launched the Basic Investigation and Enforcement Training for 102 newly recruited officers. At the opening, Mr Olukoyede described the initiative as an important development in the relationship between the two institutions.

Established in 1979, the CCB is one of Nigeria’s oldest anti-corruption institutions. Its legal mandate was established in 1989, and it is one of the country’s core anti-corruption bodies established by the Constitution.

The bureau receives and examines asset declarations, investigates complaints involving breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers and refers appropriate cases to the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

What impact could this training have on the officers‘ work and public confidence in the CCB?