NACIWA Adopts Abuja Leadership Declaration

  • July 22, 2026
  • Posted by: Public Affairs Officer
  • Category: News
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The Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) has officially rolled out the Abuja Leadership Declaration, a landmark commitment to strengthen institutional independence in the fight against corruption and transnational crimes.

Adopted on July 22, 2026, at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters, Abuja, during the Mid-Year Leadership Conference 2026, the Declaration sets a bold agenda for transformational leadership, responsible use of artificial intelligence, talent development, and deeper regional cooperation.

🔑 Key Highlights of the Declaration

  • Institutional Independence: Member institutions reaffirmed their resolve to resist political or external interference in anti-graft efforts.
  • Transformational Leadership: Leadership at the highest levels was identified as a strategic driver of effectiveness in tackling corruption.
  • AI & Digital Transformation: Institutions pledged to responsibly adopt AI and digital tools to enhance investigations and law enforcement.
  • Integrity & Accountability: Stronger internal systems will be built to sustain public trust.
  • Talent Development: Emphasis on ethics, professionalism, innovation, and gender-responsive leadership.
  • Regional Cooperation: Enhanced collaboration in asset tracing, recovery, and implementation of ECOWAS guidelines.

🗣️ Adoption & Commitment

The motion for adoption was moved by Mr. Ola Olukoyede, President of NACIWA and Executive Chairman of the EFCC, and unanimously endorsed by Heads of Anti-Corruption Institutions from 14 West African Nations.

The Declaration requires each member institution to translate outcomes into action plans with measurable goals, to be reported to the NACIWA Secretariat by October 2026.

đź“Ś Looking Ahead

  • Leadership development will become a permanent strategic pillar of NACIWA’s programmes.
  • The Leadership Conference is now institutionalised as a recurring feature of the NACIWA calendar.
  • Member nations reaffirmed solidarity across Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone communities, united in advancing integrity, accountability, and good governance.


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