Nigeria's Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmoud, has redefined the concept of good governance, stating that the effectiveness of any government should be judged by the safety, dignity, and opportunities it provides for its citizens, rather than the authority it wields. This statement was made at the Resilience in Leadership and Governance Roundtable held on the margins of the 2026 United Nations General Assembly. Mahmoud delivered a keynote address on "Catalysing Effective Governance and Human Security." Her remarks underscored a shift in perspective on what constitutes good governance.
According to Mahmoud, governance must be measured by its impact on people's daily lives, including their access to healthcare, education, safe transportation, efficient public services, economic opportunities, and participation in decision-making. She emphasized that leadership resilience should not merely be about surviving crises but about ensuring that essential services continue to reach citizens despite disruptions. This approach highlights the importance of service delivery and the well-being of citizens in evaluating governance.
Mahmoud further elaborated on the concept of resilient leadership, stating that it 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. This perspective on leadership underscores the need for adaptability and a people-centered approach in governance. By doing so, governments can better respond to the needs of their citizens during challenging times.
The Minister also discussed human security, arguing that the concept should extend beyond protection from armed conflict. She noted that millions of people could remain insecure even in the absence of war due to factors such as hunger, illness, unemployment, displacement, or the absence of basic services. This broader definition of human security emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to address various forms of insecurity that citizens may face.
Mahmoud called for sustained investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education, livelihoods, and food security, alongside stronger institutions capable of reducing citizens' vulnerability. She stressed that governments must focus on addressing the conditions that expose citizens to insecurity, rather than limiting security policy to conventional responses to conflict and crime. This approach aims to create a more stable and secure environment for citizens.
Citing developments in the FCT, Mahmoud mentioned that the administration under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike was pursuing infrastructure renewal, transportation, healthcare, water supply, urban development, investment promotion, and social interventions. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to translate governance into improved living conditions for citizens. By investing in these areas, the FCT administration aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
In conclusion, Mahmoud's address at the UNGA 81 highlighted the need for a new paradigm in governance, one that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and opportunities of citizens. By redefining good governance and emphasizing the importance of service delivery, resilient leadership, and human security, she provided a framework for effective governance that can be applied globally.
Key points
- Mahmoud redefines good governance, emphasizing safety, dignity, and opportunities for citizens.
- Leadership resilience is about delivering essential services despite disruptions.
- Human security extends beyond protection from armed conflict to include hunger, illness, and unemployment.
