By Mariam Abeeb
The Executive Chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr. Abdullahi Usman Bello has applauded the unveiling of the Local Governance Accountability (LGA) Portal as a Veritable tool in promoting transparency and accountability in the Country.
Dr Bello stated this in his goodwill message at the closing ceremony of the Policy Writing Fellowship and the Unveiling of the LGA Portal thursday in Abuja.
He noted that the LGA Portal, which provides free access to financial allocations to local councils from 1999 to date, together with council profiles and the names of elected officials, is a powerful instrument for promoting transparency and accountability at the grassroots level.
Dr Bello said the Code of Conduct Bureau firmly believes that sustainable national development and the fight against corruption must begin with strong, accountable local governance.
He said the portal will empower citizens, researchers, journalists, and civic actors to monitor public resources and demand better service delivery — directly supporting our collective efforts to entrench integrity and ethical conduct in public service.
He congratulated the more than twenty fellows who have successfully completed this intensive four-month training programme.
“Your dedication, intellectual rigour, and the policy papers you have produced under the guidance of your supervisors are truly commendable”.
“You represent the kind of thoughtful, evidence-driven leadership Nigeria needs as we work to build stronger institutions and improve the lives of our citizens”.
He commended Agora Policy, with the generous support of the MacArthur Foundation, for this visionary initiative, stressing that their commitment to strengthening an evidence-driven, inclusive, and robust approach to policymaking and policy engagement is both timely and impactful.
He said as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen integrity and accountability in public service, the Code of Conduct Bureau has completed verification of asset declarations for high-risk public servants.
According to him, the exercise covered 19 Ministers, 37 Permanent Secretaries, 20 Heads of Agencies, and 32 other high-risk officials.
He also announced that the Bureau’s Online Asset and Liabilities Declaration System is
