PRESS RELEASE
17 November 2025
Aba, Abia State
CHARS-AFRICA AND GODIYA WOMEN EDUCATION & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE URGE STATES initiative TO REPLICATE AND IMPLEMENT THE NATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION STRATEGY (NACS)
The African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa), in collaboration with Godiya Women Education and Sustainable Development Initiative, hereby calls on all State Governments in Nigeria to urgently replicate, and fully implement the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) across all sub-national levels.
This call is informed by the outcomes of the recently concluded 2-Day National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) Replication and Peer-Learning Workshop, held on 13–14 November 2025. The workshop was convened by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), funded by the European Union, and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Justice.
NACS remains a vital national framework designed to promote transparency, strengthen accountability systems within Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and plug systemic leakages that enable corrupt practices at both national and state levels. The workshop brought together critical stakeholders from the Offices of the Heads of Service, State Ministries of Justice, and relevant MDAs across the 36 states, including RoLAC implementing states like Abia, Abuja, Adamawa, Anambra, Edo, Kano, Lagos and Plateau.
The forum served as a convergence point for state and non-state actors to exchange peer-learning experiences, deepen understanding of sub-national anti-corruption frameworks, and foster renewed commitment toward strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms across state governments.
In his opening address, Dr. Emma Uche, RoLAC Component Manager, emphasized that the fight against corruption requires a coordinated and strategic approach, describing it as a national imperative. The Lead Consultant, Prof. Ada Chidi-Igbokwe, further highlighted the rationale, benefits, and opportunities inherent in the sub-national replication of the NACS.
Representatives from Adamawa, Anambra, and Kano States shared insights from their respective state-level anti-corruption strategies, highlighting achievements, existing gaps, and critical challenges in implementation. The reflections underscored the urgent need for states yet to replicate the NACS to act without delay.
CALL TO ACTION
CHARS-Africa and Godiya Women Education and Sustainable Development Initiative commend RoLAC for its efforts under Component 3 and strongly urge all states, particularly Abia State, to immediately replicate, and operationalize the NACS across both state and local government structures.
Signed:
Amaka Biachi, Esq.
Executive Director,
African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa)
charsafrica.ng@gmail.com
Barr. (Mrs.) Uchechi Dibiaezue
Godiya Women Education and Sustainable Development Initiative
godiyawesdi6@gmail.com
