In most nations, the proper implementation in government policies depends solely on public officers who are required to be sincere and patriotic in the course of their duties. Historical evidence attests to the fact that public officers in Nigeria were very effective before the attainment of Independence. The unfortunate records of indiscipline, corruption, greed and inefficiency that have characterized their performances in recent times, have necessitated the introduction of a Code of Conduct to direct, guide and regulate the activities of public officers in Nigeria. This article answers questions on the historical antecedents in the introduction of the Code of Conduct for Nigerian Public Officers; the comparative nature of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers in other countries; and the extent to which the provisions of the Code of Conduct has been applied to sanitize the activities of public officers in the Nigerian Civil Service.
