The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability by issuing a directive that requires its staff to declare ‘close relatives’ who are employed by the bank and disclose any connections to Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) in the country.
This directive, outlined in a memo signed by Christian Eze, the Deputy Director of the Human Resources Department, mandates all staff members to submit these declarations by noon on Friday, November 10, 2023. The memo emphasizes the importance of adhering to the bank’s policy on the employment of close relatives and highlights the need for staff to disclose such relationships.
In addition to close relatives, the memo also requires staff who joined the CBN from 2014 onwards to declare any relationships with PEPs. The memo provides a comprehensive definition of PEPs, including individuals who have held prominent public functions in Nigeria or foreign countries, as well as their family members or close associates.
The deadline for all submissions is noon on Friday, November 10, and the bank warns that non-disclosure or false declarations will result in sanctions.
These disclosure requirements are reportedly part of an ongoing investigation by the Special Investigator, Jim Obazee, who has been appointed to probe the activities of the CBN and related entities. President Bola Tinubu appointed Obazee to strengthen the probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs) and block leakages in the CBN and related GBEs.
By implementing this staff declaration directive, the CBN aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the institution and ensure that proper recruitment practices are followed. This move demonstrates the bank’s commitment to maintaining integrity and fair representation in its workforce.
