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Former Minister of Works and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Babatunde Fashola, has urged governments at all levels to strengthen law enforcement, improve public accountability and prioritise security as the foundation of good governance.
Fashola made the appeal while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Law, Leadership and the Ballot: Governance Beyond Politics,” the former Lagos State governor said security and the rule of law are essential for economic growth and national development. He stressed that governments should move beyond political promises and focus on enforcing existing laws and fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities.
He noted that the Constitution identifies the security and welfare of citizens as the primary purpose of government, adding that public safety remains the most important indicator of effective governance. According to him, countries that consistently enforce their laws are more likely to attract investment, encourage entrepreneurship and create wealth.
“Security and prosperity are inseparable,” he said, adding that effective governance depends on preventing crime, prosecuting offenders and maintaining a justice system that protects law-abiding citizens.
Fashola also criticised the tendency of Attorneys-General to leave communication on major criminal incidents to presidents and governors despite their central role in the justice system. He urged legal practitioners to become more actively involved in matters relating to public security.
He further called for stronger collaboration among the executive, legislature and judiciary to ensure that criminal activities are met with coordinated and decisive action capable of deterring offenders and strengthening public confidence in the rule of law.
The former governor linked governance failures to weak enforcement of existing regulations, citing the widespread use of unregistered vehicles. He described vehicle registration as a basic but vital law enforcement tool that enables authorities to identify offenders and investigate crimes, warning that anonymous vehicles undermine accountability and public safety.
Fashola urged authorities to enforce registration laws strictly while encouraging citizens to comply with legal requirements regardless of their status.
On governance, he argued that democracy alone does not guarantee good leadership, insisting that governments must engage citizens continuously, collect reliable data and align public spending with the needs of the people.
Drawing on his experience as governor, he said his administration conducted statewide surveys to identify citizens’ priorities and used the findings to shape budgets and policies. He maintained that evidence-based policymaking should take precedence over political convenience or assumptions.
He also reminded citizens that they have obligations under the social contract, including obeying the law, paying taxes and supporting law enforcement agencies. According to him, good governance requires commitment from both government and the public.
As part of legal reforms, Fashola advocated for clearer communication within the justice system, urging courts and legal practitioners to use simple, accessible language in legal documents and proceedings.
He concluded by calling on legal professionals to establish a task force to develop practical proposals on law reform, law enforcement and regulatory compliance, stressing that Nigeria must move beyond discussing problems to implementing lasting solutions.
