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Nigeria at a Crossroads: Ethics Group Urges Immediate National Reforms as Insecurity, Corruption and Religious Abuse Spiral
The Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics Ltd/Gte (AERE) issued a stark “Call to Action” on Tuesday, warning that Nigeria “stands at a crossroads” as a surge in banditry, insurgency and kidnappings threatens the nation’s stability.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement titled, “A Call to Action: Rebuilding Nigeria’s Future Through Ethics and Unity,” the civil‑society organisation said the country is “a nation blessed with immense potential” but is “hindered by a crisis of ethics, fueled by insecurity, corruption, and the misuse of religion to perpetrate violence.”
“Banditry, insurgency, and kidnappings have left communities shattered, while distrust in institutions deepens. We cannot build a prosperous future in the midst of fire,” the statement read.
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AERE stressed that the nation’s problems “are not as a result of faith, but stem from failure of responsibilities. We have allowed greed, division, and impunity to thrive, while our places of worship, meant to be sanctuaries of peace, are overshadowed by the cries of the vulnerable. Enough is enough.”
Key demands
Government (Federal and State) – “Enforce laws without fear or favour,” prosecute perpetrators of violence, corruption and hate speech, and “strengthen security infrastructure” by equipping troops, supporting state police and expanding community policing.
Transparency and accountability – Publish budgets, ensure accountability in aid distribution and “tackle corruption in religious institutions.”
Economic uplift – “Invest in education and jobs,” with a focus on youth empowerment to curb radicalisation.
Religious leaders – “Preach peace, not division,” reject extremist narratives, and lead by example through humility and service to the vulnerable.
Citizens – “Demand accountability,” reject corruption, and “promote unity” across ethnic and religious lines.
Politicians – “Put nation above self,” end political violence, stop arming militias and support reforms that address injustice, unemployment and marginalisation.
Security forces – “Protect with integrity,” uphold human rights, avoid extrajudicial actions and remain neutral, professional and committed to safeguarding all Nigerians.
The group added a blunt summation:
“Faith without works is empty; governance without accountability is tyranny; security without justice is oppression.”
Recommendations to the government
1. Establish a National Ethics Commission to oversee governance and religious accountability.
2. Launch a nationwide inter‑faith peace initiative to counter extremist ideologies.
3. Increase funding for education, healthcare and job creation in vulnerable regions.
4. Ensure swift justice for crimes linked to terrorism and corruption.
5. Encourage community‑led peacebuilding and reporting mechanisms.
AERE’s chairman, Hon. Dele Kelvin Oye, warned that “we must act now, before the fire consumes us,” and affirmed that “Nigeria is not beyond repair. Let us choose unity, transparency, and compassion. Together, we can turn the tide.”
The statement was signed by Oye, who also holds the titles of Past Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) and Honorary Life Vice‑President and 22nd National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).
The Federal Government has yet to respond to the Alliance’s proposals, but the call for sweeping ethical reforms comes amid a surge in violent crime across the country, prompting renewed debate over the balance between security measures and civil liberties.
