Governments across the globe have been asked to put the safety, dignity and wellbeing of citizens at the centre of governance, with effective leadership measured by its impact on people’s everyday lives.
The call was made by Nigeria’s Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, who stressed the need for governments to translate their decisions into tangible improvements in healthcare, education, transportation, public services and economic opportunities.
Mahmoud made the remarks while addressing participants 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.”
According to a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media, Austine Elemue, on Friday, the minister said, “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.”
Speaking on human security, she 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 and food security, alongside strong institutions capable of reducing citizens’ vulnerability.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts in the 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 called for the deliberate inclusion of women and young people in development and decision-making processes.
She 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 benefit 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, stressing 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.
