Nigeria’s Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, says the true test of governance lies not in the authority exercised by government but in the safety, opportunities and dignity citizens enjoy.
Mahmoud stated this 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 “Catalysing Effective Governance and Human Security”.
She said effective governance must translate into tangible improvements in people’s daily 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.
On human security, the minister said the concept extended beyond the absence of armed conflict, noting that people could remain vulnerable because of hunger, illness, unemployment, displacement and 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 and food security, as well as institutions capable of reducing citizens’ vulnerability.
She also highlighted initiatives in the FCT, saying the administration, under the leadership of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, was implementing projects and programmes in infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, water supply, urban development, investment and social interventions.
The minister urged governments to ensure the deliberate inclusion of women and young people in development and decision-making processes.
She also advocated responsible digital transformation to improve public service delivery and transparency while protecting citizens’ data.
On Africa’s development, Mahmoud urged African countries to take greater ownership of their development priorities, 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 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 required leadership grounded in integrity, accountability and service, emphasising the responsibilities that accompanied public office.
“Public office is a trust, and it must be exercised with integrity, humility and a commitment to service,” Mahmoud said.
