WorldSage– The Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), has adopted the Nigeria’s Abuja Leadership Declaration, committing member institutions to operational independence in the fight against transnational crimes and other corrupt practices.
The Declaration also committed member nations to transformational leadership, responsible use of artificial intelligence, talent development and stronger regional cooperation in the fight against corruption.
This Declaration was adopted on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters, Abuja, at the end of a two-day NACIWA Mid-Year Leadership Conference 2026, themed: “Transformational Leadership for Effective Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa.”
The motion for the adoption of the Declaration was moved by the President of NACIWA and Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede and adopted by acclamation by Heads of Anti-Corruption Institutions of the fourteen member nations.
The Declaration committed member nations and anti-corruption institutions to institutional independence, integrity and accountability, reaffirming their commitment to resisting undue political or external interference in tackling corruption.
To achieve this, the Declaration considered leadership at the highest institutional level as a strategic determinant of effectiveness in the fight against corruption. It noted that West Africa is confronted with an evolving and increasingly sophisticated corruption landscape characterised by transnational financial flows, technology-enabled crimes, kleptocratic networks and deepening institutional trust deficits.
It further acknowledged the role of “leadership in shaping organisational culture, driving reforms, navigating political complexity, managing institutional reputation and inspiring personnel.”The anti-corruption institutions also reaffirmed their conviction that “regional solidarity and high-performance institut
