President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has voiced concerns over the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s local government system, attributing it to developmental setbacks and the inability to effectively address national security threats. Speaking at a national discourse on Nigeria’s security challenges and governance at the local government level, President Tinubu emphasized the critical role of good governance across all tiers of government in fostering development and reducing conflict.
Represented by the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, President Tinubu asserted that a well-governed state is better equipped to handle internal challenges such as terrorism, insurgency, and communal violence. He stressed that poor governance leads to widespread corruption, political instability, economic disparities, and social unrest, which not only undermine human security but also pose significant threats to national security by creating conditions conducive to extremism.
“Sadly, the state of our local government system in Nigeria is a cause of concern, as its degradation and incapacitation have significantly contributed to our developmental setback and our inability to effectively address the prevailing national security threat,” said President Tinubu. He noted that local governments are the frontline defenders against insecurity due to their proximity to the people and their intimate knowledge of community needs and challenges.
President Tinubu highlighted the persistent security challenges facing the country, including insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality, which have inflicted severe suffering on the populace and undermined collective peace and prosperity. He called for a collective effort from all levels of government and active collaboration from citizens to tackle these issues head-on.
He stated, “It is imperative that the nation confront those challenges head-on if we are to move forward in our journey towards development. Ensuring the security of our people and our nation is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of government at all levels and the active collaboration of citizens.”
The president underscored the interconnection between good governance, human security, and national security, noting that these elements are crucial for the stability, prosperity, and overall well-being of the nation. He explained that good governance ensures the effective, productive, and transparent management of national resources, fostering economic development, enhancing social cohesion, and reducing the risks of conflict.
President Tinubu emphasized that the absence of good governance results in widespread corruption, political instability, economic disparities, and social unrest, which not only deprive individuals of their basic needs but also threaten national security by fostering extremism. He pointed out that human security focuses on protecting individuals from various forms of threats, including poverty, disease, violence, and environmental degradation, which are essential for maintaining peace and political stability.
He stressed the need for sustainable development programs to eradicate hunger, disease, poverty, and unemployment, as these factors are key to achieving enduring national security. “It is imperative to recognize that the promotion of human security has emerged as the central focus of the new development paradigm. Simply building arms and ammunition does not guarantee peace and security,” he said.
President Tinubu called for the strengthening of local government systems to effectively address these challenges, emphasizing their strategic position in promoting human security by delivering essential services like health, education, sanitation, and social welfare programs directly to communities.
He concluded by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to implementing measures aimed at bolstering the local government system, rooted in a bottom-up development approach. “Recognizing that sustainable development, national security, and prosperity can only be achieved when every level of government functions effectively and accountably. We must realize that the local government system is not just a matter of administrative convenience. It is a cornerstone of our national security architecture,” he said. By empowering local governments, Nigeria can create a solid foundation for ensuring the safety, stability, and well-being of its citizens.
