The National Advocacy Forum (NAF) has advocated ethical leadership and accountability in both the public and private sectors for national transformation.
NAF also called on government institutions to strengthen governance systems, enforce accountability mechanisms, uphold the rule of law, and demonstrate unwavering commitment to ethical leadership in public service.
The group, in a communiqué issued after its meeting in Abuja on Thursday, July 2, 2026, urged civil society and faith-based organisations to continue to promote integrity, social accountability, civic engagement, and ethical values while amplifying the voices of citizens and vulnerable communities.
NAF, on the theme, “Strengthening Ethical Leadership for National Transformation,” urged academic and research institutions, as a matter of urgency, to “advance research, education and knowledge generation on ethical leadership, governance and accountability,” adding that “ethical leadership requires not only personal integrity but also institutional systems that promote transparency, accountability, participation and continuous learning.”
The Forum observed that ethical leadership plays a vital role in promoting good governance, maintaining institutional integrity, and supporting long-term sustainable development, which is key to national development.
The statement reads in part:
“Forum calls upon:
Government Institutions to strengthen governance systems, enforce accountability mechanisms, uphold the
“Civil Society and Faith-Based Organisations to continue promoting integrity, social accountability, civic engagement and ethical values while amplifying the voices of citizens and vulnerable communities.
“The Private Sector to uphold ethical business practices, strengthen corporate governance and contribute actively to national efforts aimed at building transparent and accountable institutions.
“Academic and Research Institutions to advance research, education and knowledge generation on ethical leadership, governance and accountability.
“Youth and Citizens to embrace responsible citizenship, actively participate in governance processes, model ethical behaviour in everyday life, celebrate integrity wherever it is found, and encourage others to uphold the values of honesty, accountability, fairness and responsible leadership. Every citizen has a responsibility to be an ethical role model for future generations.
“Development Partners to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen ethical leadership, accountability systems and inclusive governance across sectors.”
The group also maintained that “persistent governance challenges, including corruption, lack of transparency, weak accountability systems and unethical conduct, continue to undermine public confidence and institutional performance,” adding that recognition across sectors that ethical leadership must be intentionally cultivated through education, mentorship, policy reforms and strong institutions is key to national development.
