By SHINDONG BALA; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
Kaduna State Government has announced plans to begin strict enforcement of a “No Promotion Without Asset Declaration” policy for public servants from Grade Level Four to Seventeen as part of measures to strengthen transparency and accountability in the civil service.
The State Head of Service, Mrs. Jummai Bako, disclosed this during a one-day sensitization workshop on asset declaration organised for Chief Executive Officers, Directors, and Administrators in the state public service.
Mrs. Bako explained that although asset declaration previously carried no formal marks in promotion exercises, the Kaduna State Government has now made compliance a mandatory requirement for promotion.
She noted that the policy is aimed at promoting ethical conduct, transparency, and integrity among public officers.
According to her, asset declaration is conducted every four years in the state civil service and should not be viewed as a mere bureaucratic procedure.
She described it as a clear statement of accountability that helps prevent conflicts of interest and discourages illicit enrichment among public officials.
The Head of Service stressed that public officers are expected to declare their assets honestly, completely, and within stipulated timelines in line with the Code of Conduct regulations guiding public service operations.
She added that changes in financial status must also be properly documented as part of continuous compliance requirements.
Mrs. Bako warned that failure to comply with asset declaration rules violates legal and ethical standards and could erode public confidence in government institutions.
She urged senior public servants to lead by example by demonstrating transparency and accountability in their official responsibilities.
She further called on all civil servants in Kaduna State to take asset declaration seriously, adhere strictly to laid-down guidelines, and promote a culture of honesty and accountability across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Also speaking at the workshop, the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Alhaji Nasiru Banki, said the state government has continued to invest in capacity building for civil servants, leading to improved productivity and better adherence to due process in the public service.
He noted that several training programmes conducted over the years have enhanced professionalism, strengthened working relationships within the civil service, and improved service delivery across government institutions.
In a presentation at the event, the Kaduna State Director of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Mallam Babajo Adamu, reminded participants that public interest must always supersede personal interest in the discharge of official duties.
He emphasized the need for honesty, transparency, and accountability among public officers as critical measures towards eradicating corrupt practices in government.
