By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Nigeria's Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has linked Nigeria's governance to the safety and dignity of citizens and not necessarily the authority government exercises.
Mahmoud made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at the Resilience in Leadership and Governance Roundtable on the margins of the 2026 United Nations General Assembly,( UNGA) where she spoke on the theme, “Catalyzing Effective Governance and Human Security.”
She explained that effective governance must be felt by citizens through tangible improvements in people’s everyday lives, including access to quality healthcare and education, safe transportation, efficient public services, economic opportunities, and meaningful participation by women and young people.
“Resilient leadership is more than the ability to endure a crisis; it is the capacity to learn, adjust, and continue delivering essential services without losing sight of the people affected by public decisions,” Mahmoud said.
Addressing the issue of human security, the minister said the concept extends beyond the absence of armed conflict, noting that people could remain vulnerable because of hunger, illness, unemployment, displacement, or inadequate access to basic services.
“A person may be free from armed conflict and remain deeply insecure because of hunger, illness, unemployment, displacement, or the absence of basic services,” she added.
Mahmoud called for sustained investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education, livelihoods, food security, and institutions capable of reducing citizens’ vulnerability.
She also highlighted initiatives in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, saying the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, is pursuing infrastructure renewal, transportation, healthcare, water supply, urban development, investment promotion, and social interventions aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.
However, the minister further urged governments to ensure the deliberate inclusion of women and young people in development and decision-making processes.
She advocated responsible digital transformation that can improve public service delivery and transparency while protecting citizens’ data.
Also addressing Africa’s development, Mahmoud urged African countries to prioritize development, while stressing that international partnerships should strengthen African institutions rather than foster dependency.
She said global experience and best practices could be valuable to African countries, but cautioned against adopting them without adapting them to local circumstances.
“Global best practices are useful, but they must be adapted to local realities rather than copied without regard to context,” she said.
Mahmoud also proposed the establishment of a continuing African governance peer-learning network to document successful reforms, strengthen institutional capacity, and monitor commitments made beyond international conferences.
She said sustainable governance requires leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, and service, emphasizing the responsibilities that accompany public office.
“Public office is a trust, and it must be exercised with integrity, humility, and a commitment to service,” Mahmoud said.
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