AT UN MAHMOUD SAYS GOVERNANCE IS MEASURED BY SAFETY, DIGNITY OF CITIZENS
By: Austine Elemue
Nigeria’s Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has declared that the true test of governance is not the authority the government exercises, but the safety, opportunity, and dignity citizens enjoy because the government has acted well.
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, where she spoke on the theme, “Catalyzing Effective Governance and Human Security.”
She told participants that effective governance must translate into 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 still remain deeply insecure because of hunger, illness, unemployment, displacement or the absence of basic services,” she said.
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.
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.
Turning to Africa’s development, Mahmoud urged African countries to take greater ownership of their development priorities, 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.
