PRESS RELEASE
ABIA CSOS RISE TO DEFEND INTEGRITY: CIVIL SOCIETY IN ABIA COMMITS TO SELF-REGULATION AND ETHICAL LEADERSHIP
Aba, Abia State | February 11, 2026.
Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Abia State have aligned with a historic national movement to reclaim integrity, transparency, and public trust in civic action.
Following a nationwide consensus reached by Nigerian CSOs in August 2024, CSOs operating in Abia State are now fully embracing a Hybrid Self-Regulation Model designed to clean up the sector from within and strengthen its legitimacy.
This press release is being issued after the first physical meeting of Abia CSO Champions which was on 4th February 2026, convened to operationalise and drive the execution of a six-month action plan for implementing the self-regulation framework across the state. The meeting marked a decisive transition from commitment to action: setting clear priorities, timelines, and responsibilities for embedding ethical standards within Abia’s civic space.
This is a bold declaration: credible CSOs in Abia are ready to be accountable; to the people, to partners, and to the principles they claim to defend.
At a time when public confidence in institutions is fragile and civic space faces increasing scrutiny, Abia CSOs are choosing responsibility over rhetoric and standards over silence. This self-regulation framework ensures that civil society in Abia remains a force for justice, development, and people-centred governance, not a refuge for opportunism.
WHAT SELF-REGULATION MEANS FOR ABIA STATE
i.Stronger CSO Coordination at State Level
Abia-based CSOs are organising through structured working groups and networks to share best practices, enforce peer accountability, and speak with a unified voice on governance and development issues. These state-level networks link directly to national coordination platforms, ensuring Abia’s civil society is both locally rooted and nationally aligned.
ii.Transparency Through the CSO Atlas
CSOs in Abia are committing to open their books and activities to public scrutiny by publishing key organisational information: programmes, finances, and annual reports, on the CSO Atlas. This will empower citizens, the media, regulators, and development partners to identify credible organisations and demand higher standards across the sector.
iii.A Clear Code of Conduct for Abia CSOs
Sixteen enforceable codes now define acceptable behaviour for CSOs, covering leadership, governance, legal compliance, integrity, and conflict of interest. In Abia State, this Code of Conduct will serve as a moral and operational compass, ensuring that organisations practise the accountability they demand from government.
iv.Internal Self-Assessment and Institutional Growth
Abia CSOs are committing to regular self-assessment to evaluate their mission, governance, and impact. This culture of self-reflection promotes professionalism, sustainability, and results-driven advocacy that truly benefits communities across the state.
Why This Matters for Abiansis initiative protects the credibility of genuine CSOs while isolating impostors who exploit the civic space. It strengthens partnerships with the Abia State Government, development partners, and oversight institutions by providing a clear benchmark for trust and engagement.
Civil society in Abia is making it clear: we cannot demand transparency, accountability, and good governance if we are unwilling to uphold the same standards ourselves.
We call on the Abia State Government, development partners, the media, traditional institutions, and the people of Abia to support and engage with CSOs that subscribe to this self-regulation framework. A strong, ethical civil society is essential for inclusive development and democratic accountability in Abia State.
The message is unmistakable: Abia CSOs are organising, reforming, and leading by example.
Signed
Amaka Biachi Esq.
Lead – Abia CSOs Champion
For Ethical, Transparent, and Accountable Civil Society in Abia State
