The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has argued that a government cannot claim success simply because its citizens are living without armed conflict.
Mahmoud said citizens could still be deeply insecure when they face hunger, unemployment, illness, displacement or poor access to basic services.
The minister made the argument at the Resilience in Leadership and Governance Roundtable, held on the margins of the 2026 United Nations General Assembly.
Speaking on “Catalyzing Effective Governance and Human Security,” Mahmoud said the real test of governance should be what citizens experience in their everyday lives.
She said government authority should not be the measure of governance, stressing that the focus should be on the safety, opportunities and dignity enjoyed by citizens.
“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’s position effectively broadened the meaning of human security beyond conventional security concerns.
According to her, effective governance must be reflected in access to quality healthcare, education, safe transportation, efficient public services and economic opportunities.
She also called for greater participation of women and young people in governance and development.
The minister said resilient leadership should go beyond surviving crises to ensuring that essential services continue despite difficult circumstances.
“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,” she said.
Mahmoud called for sustained investment in infrastructure, healthcare, education, livelihoods and food security.
She also stressed the need for institutions capable of reducing citizens’ vulnerability and responding effectively to their needs.
Turning to the Federal Capital Territory, the minister highlighted ongoing efforts by the FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike in infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, water supply and urban development.
She said investment promotion and social interventions were also part of efforts aimed at improving residents’ quality of life.
Mahmoud further urged governments to make the inclusion of women and young people a deliberate part of development and decision-making.
She also advocated responsible digital transformation, saying technology should improve public service delivery and transparency while protecting citizens’ data.
On Africa’s development, the minister urged countries on the continent to take greater ownership of their development priorities.
She said international partnerships should strengthen African institutions rather than encourage dependency.
Mahmoud also warned against simply importing foreign governance models without considering local realities.
“Global best practices are useful, but they must be adapted to local realities rather than copied without regard to context,” she said.
She proposed a continuing African governance peer-learning network to document successful reforms, strengthen institutions and track commitments made after international conferences.
Mahmoud said sustainable governance ultimately depended on integrity, accountability and service.
“Public office is a trust, and it must be exercised with integrity, humility and a commitment to service,” she said.