Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The declaration of assets and liabilities by public officers in Nigeria is a critical issue that has drawn significant attention in recent years. This research aims to explore the importance, challenges, and potential solutions regarding the declaration of assets and liabilities by public officers in Nigeria. The declaration of assets and liabilities is a fundamental tool for promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in public service. It is intended to prevent corruption, conflicts of interest, and illicit enrichment among public officials. The research will examine the legal framework governing the declaration of assets and liabilities by public officers in Nigeria, focusing on the relevant laws, regulations, and guidelines. Additionally, the study will assess the implementation and enforcement of these laws, identifying key challenges and gaps that may hinder effective compliance by public officers. Furthermore, the research will investigate the current practices and experiences of public officers in declaring their assets and liabilities, including the obstacles they face and the extent of compliance with existing requirements. The research will also explore international best practices and standards regarding the declaration of assets and liabilities by public officers, drawing lessons from other countries that have successfully implemented robust asset declaration systems. By comparing Nigeria's practices with those of other countries, the study aims to identify areas for improvement and recommend strategies to enhance the effectiveness of asset declaration mechanisms in Nigeria. Moreover, the research will consider the role of oversight institutions, such as the Code of Conduct Bureau and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, in monitoring and enforcing compliance with asset declaration requirements. The study will analyze the capacity, independence, and effectiveness of these institutions in holding public officers accountable for inaccuracies or discrepancies in their asset declarations. Overall, this research seeks to provide valuable insights and recommendations to policymakers, anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders involved in promoting transparency and accountability in public governance. By addressing the challenges and gaps in the declaration of assets and liabilities by public officers in Nigeria, the study aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts to combat corruption and enhance good governance in the country.

Thesis Overview

1.1   Introduction

        The 1999 Nigeria Constitution, or its amendments[1], is very clear on assets declaration by public officials. Declaration of assets by public officers in Nigeria is not a voluntary exercise. Rather they are mandated by the law to do so before and after occupying public offices. Since 1999 every public official have been required to freely declare their assets and the Nigerian public, who actually need to know how much of their money has always been used by public office holders for personal asset acquisition, has always been kept out of the entire exercise. Part of our demand for access to public information ought to have guaranteed that the public, who are major stakeholders, be in a position to bring their representatives into book; both before and after office tenure. The exercise to verify, ascertain, or disagree with any asset declaration may not be used on selective bases or to bring down a none complying, uncomforming, or errant opponents. This ought not be so. Rather we think it should be part of