The National Orientation Agency has called for a deliberate move away from patronage and connections towards merit-based practices in Nigeria’s public service, saying such a shift is crucial to rebuilding trust and improving governance.

Director-General of the agency, Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the call over tey weekend in Abuja at a seminar held as part of the third edition of the Abuja Accounting Week organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Abuja and District Society.

Issa-Onilu, who was represented by the agency’s Director of Communication and Media, Bala Musa, said Nigeria’s development would remain limited if merit is consistently overshadowed by personal connections and influence.

He noted that sustainable progress depends on systems that reward competence, integrity and transparency.

“A nation where merit is rewarded over connection, where transparency guides decision-making, and where accountability is upheld at all levels is a nation that can attract investment, inspire confidence and achieve sustainable growth,” he said.

He warned that sidelining merit weakens institutions, distorts opportunities and erodes public confidence in governance.

According to him, the country’s recurring challenges, including corruption and inefficiency, are linked to a disconnect between shared aspirations and actual conduct in both public and private sectors.

The NOA boss said the agency’s National Values Charter, under the Nigerian Identity Project, seeks to address these issues by promoting a culture of responsibility among citizens and accountability in leadership.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at fostering a system where fairness and due process are upheld, while individuals are encouraged to act with discipline and integrity.

Issa-Onilu also urged professionals, especially accountants, to lead by example by upholding ethical standards in their work.

“Professionalism must go beyond technical skill. It must reflect honesty, discipline and respect for due process. When these values are upheld, institutions become stronger and more reliable,” he said.

He called on ICAN to integrate the principles of merit, accountability and integrity into its training and professional development programmes.

Also speaking, a member of ICAN Governing Council, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Idris Adamu (retd.), said the theme of the seminar was aimed at reminding citizens and professionals of their responsibilities, particularly in supporting government policies.

He stressed that effective implementation of reforms, including tax policies, depends on discipline and ethical conduct.

“If you are not disciplined in terms of your value, if you are not professional, implementation of such policies will be difficult,” he said.

Adamu added that trust between government and citizens must be strengthened through transparency and accountability, noting that both sides have roles to play.

“There should be visible utilisation of taxes by government, while citizens must also fulfil their obligation by paying taxes and filing returns appropriately,” he said.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the organising committee, AbdulRazak Aliyu, described the theme of the event as timely, citing a steady decline in moral standards across society.

He called for a collective effort to restore values, urging professionals to place public interest above personal gain and uphold integrity in their conduct.

The seminar drew participants from across sectors, with discussions centred on strengthening institutions, promoting ethical leadership and aligning public service with merit-based principles.