Favour Ishember, Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has said the effectiveness of governance should not be judged by the level of authority wielded by government, but by the safety, opportunities and dignity citizens experience as a result of its actions.
Mahmoud stated this while delivering a keynote address at the Resilience in Leadership and Governance Roundtable, held on the sidelines of the 2026 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where she spoke on the theme, “Catalyzing Effective Governance and Human Security.”
The minister told participants that good governance must go beyond policies and translate into visible improvements in the daily lives of citizens through access to quality healthcare, education, secure transportation systems, efficient public services, economic opportunities and active participation of women and young people.
According to her, resilient leadership is not merely about surviving difficult situations but involves the ability to learn from challenges, adapt to changing circumstances and continue providing critical services while keeping citizens at the centre of government decisions.
“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,” she said.
Speaking on human security, Mahmoud explained that the concept extends beyond the absence of war or violent conflicts, stressing that individuals can still face insecurity due to poverty, poor health, unemployment, displacement and lack of access to basic necessities.
“A person may be free from armed conflict and still remain deeply insecure because of hunger, illness, unemployment, displacement or the absence of basic services,” the minister noted.
She called for continuous investment in critical sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education, job creation, food security and strong institutions capable of reducing vulnerabilities among citizens.
Highlighting developments in the Federal Capital Territory, Mahmoud said the FCT Administration, under the leadership of the Minister, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, is implementing programmes focused on infrastructure renewal, transportation improvement, healthcare expansion, water supply, urban development, investment promotion and social interventions aimed at enhancing residents’ living standards.
The minister also stressed the need for governments to intentionally involve women and young people in development planning and decision-making processes, describing inclusion as essential for sustainable progress.
She advocated for responsible digital transformation that would strengthen public service delivery, improve transparency and accountability, while ensuring the protection of citizens’ personal data.
On Africa’s development trajectory, Mahmoud urged countries on the continent to take stronger ownership of their development priorities, noting that international partnerships should focus on strengthening African institutions rather than creating dependency.
She acknowledged the value of global experiences and best practices but warned that such models must be adjusted to suit local realities rather than adopted without considering specific circumstances.
“Global best practices are useful, but they must be adapted to local realities rather than copied without regard to context,” she said.
Mahmoud further proposed the creation of a continuous African governance peer-learning network that would help document successful reforms, build institutional capacity and track commitments made beyond international gatherings.
She emphasised that sustainable governance depends on leadership anchored on integrity, accountability and commitment to public service.
“Public office is a trust, and it must be exercised with integrity, humility and a commitment to service,” the minister stated.
For a better society
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