Nigeria’s Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Mariya Mahmoud, told delegates at the “Resilience in Leadership and Governance” roundtable on the margins of the 2026 United Nations General Assembly in New York that the effectiveness of any government should be judged by the safety, dignity and opportunities it provides to its citizens, not by the amount of authority it wields.
Speaking in a keynote address titled “Catalysing Effective Governance and Human Security,” Mahmoud said governance must be measured by its impact on people’s daily lives, including access to healthcare, education, safe transportation, efficient public services, economic opportunities and meaningful participation in decision‑making.
“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.
She expanded the concept of human security beyond protection from armed conflict, noting that “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.” Mahmoud called for sustained investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education, livelihoods and food security, as well as stronger institutions capable of reducing citizens’ vulnerability.
Highlighting recent progress in the Federal Capital Territory, Mahmoud said the administration led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike is pursuing infrastructure renewal, improved transportation, expanded healthcare and water supply, urban development, investment promotion and targeted social interventions to translate good governance into better living conditions for residents.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
