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A Report By The Good Governance Index On How Poor Governance, Lack Of Accountability At State And Local Govt Levels Escalate Insecurity In Nigeria
A Report By The Good Governance Index On How Poor Governance, Lack Of Accountability At State And Local Govt Levels Escalate Insecurity In Nigeria
Introduction:
The Good Governance Index, a non-profit organization dedicated to the entrenchment of good governance and accountability in governance at all tiers of government in Nigeria undertook systemic research on factors responsible for insecurity in Nigeria with a view to identifying the factors responsible for the escalation of insecurity in Nigeria.
It relied on primary sources of data in interviews, on the spot assessments tours, interactions with key stakeholders at the various tiers of government as well as close review of documents and policy papers on governance in Nigeria.
The Issues:
Every country has her fair share of security challenges, but when the state of insecurity rises by the day, then there is a need for urgent action. This has been the situation in Nigeria in recent years. Thus, the problem of insecurity in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.
Consequently, insecurity has taken various forms in different parts of the country. In the South-West, armed robbers have taken over, while in the North, cross-border bandits operate with ease. However, in the South-South, there are rampant cases of kidnapping. Also the continuous wave of crime and armed robbery attacks, cult killings etc all point to the fact that insecurity is fast becoming a norm in Nigeria and have somewhat suddenly become attractive to specific individuals in seeking to resolve issues that could have ordinarily been settled through due process. The end-products lead to the decimation of innocent lives, disruption of economic activities, and destruction of properties, among others.
Governance at the Local Government Areas:
Local government in Nigeria have more significant challenges than other tiers of government since they have the responsibility of ensuring equitable social and economic development at the grassroots. Chairmen of the council are expected to prepare programmes of work and related financial implication, manage and supervise the allocation of financial and human resource coupled with appropriate monitoring of project execution.
Unfortunately, apart from lacking the above requirements both the elected and civil service officials at the local government lack the ability to establish excellent working relationships, ability to build the consensus, negotiation skills and the commitment to develop a partnership for improved development effectiveness throughout all the Local Government Areas.
From all indication, it was observed that local government administration as a whole is increasing in scope day to day with resulting increased responsibilities. This means that Local Government administration does not merely require people with academic paper qualification, but people with initiative ability to lead, ability to enthuse and to guide. Unfortunately, the Local Governments have failed in their both their statutory powers and political will to address these issues.
The role of the state governments:
It must be stated that the role of state government as a tier of government in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. It has been increasingly noted that the various state governments have been notorious in rendering local government areas in the states ineffective and mostly underfunded. It has also been stated in numerous forums that state governors are in the habit of depriving the bulk of the people in the local government areas the dividends of democracy, and this is somewhat responsible for the spate of agitations at the local government levels which gave rise to all sort of anomalies at the grassroots levels.
Insecurity at Local Government Areas:
The people who reside at the grassroots constitute nearly sixty percent of the entire Nigerian population. But the economic wellbeing of the local government area councils is not sound. This means that poverty is more in local areas than it is in urban centres. And this fact has its attendant implication on the security situation in Nigeria.
According to reliable findings in the cause of the research work, it was observed that the bulk of the security challenges emanates from the state and local government levels. For example, kidnappers and other forms of criminal elements are planned in rural areas. Recruitments into terrorist groups are also carried out at the local government areas because of the level of deprivation and poverty.
Poor governance and lack of accountability:
This research indeed revealed that Local governments in Nigeria experience varying levels of interference from politicians and state governments and there have been contending views on whether interference is desirable or not considering the poor performance of local governments.
The revelations indeed portend grave danger because interference is not desirable as it has been the bane of the security challenges in the country.
Conclusion:
The Good Governance Index as a result of the above, concludes the level of insecurity in the country is fueled substantially by the ignoble role of the state and local governments in the governance structure in the country.
There is an apparent lack of accountability which is a bane in the entrenchment of good governance in the country and provided that ready market for the recruitment of willing foot soldiers by criminal elements into the web of crime and criminalities in the country.
Recommendations:
The Good Governance Index as a result of the preceding herby make the following recommendations;
The federal government should begin the process of demanding from the state governor’s accountability and transparency in the administration of local government funds. This, in our considered opinion, would bring about the much need accountability in governance at the state and local government levels.
The federal government must also do all within its powers to ensure the entrenchment of transparency and accountability at the state and local government levels in a bid to ensure that terrorist and other criminal gangs do not find the local government areas as veritable grounds for the escalation of violence in the country. I
*This report was put together by Dr. Thomas Uzah, a special rapporteur and made available to National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE.*
POCACOV Intensifies Sensitization on Cultism, Bullying, and Social Vices Among Students in Edo
In commemoration of the 2026 National Police Day Celebration, the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), Edo State Command, has reinforced its preventive policing efforts through a targeted sensitization outreach at Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City.
The initiative forms part of the broader activities marking this year’s National Police Day, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust,” which emphasizes collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the public in fostering a safer society.
The sensitization programme witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, the Police Public Relations Officer, and the Edo State POCACOV Coordinator, ASP Kingsley Upeh. The team engaged students in an insightful and impactful session focused on the dangers of cultism, bullying, and other social vices prevalent among youths.
During the session, students were educated on the severe and far-reaching consequences of cult-related activities. These include violence, loss of lives, disruption of academic pursuits, and long-term damage to personal reputation and future opportunities. The speakers also highlighted how peer pressure, drug abuse, and negative social influences often serve as gateways into criminal behavior.
In an interactive segment, the Commissioner of Police stressed the legal implications of engaging in criminal acts, noting that involvement in cultism and related offences could lead to arrest, prosecution, and lifelong consequences that may hinder personal growth and career aspirations.
The issue of bullying was also extensively addressed, with emphasis on both its legal ramifications and psychological impact on victims. Students were encouraged to speak up against bullying, report incidents to school authorities or law enforcement, and support peers who may be affected.
Furthermore, the outreach underscored the importance of self-discipline, moral values, and making informed life choices. Students were urged to become ambassadors of peace within their schools and communities by rejecting violence and promoting unity and mutual respect.
The POCACOV team reiterated its commitment to continuous engagement with young people through awareness campaigns, community outreach, and strategic partnerships aimed at preventing crime before it occurs. The initiative aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s proactive approach to policing, which prioritizes education, prevention, and community involvement.
COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.
Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.
Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.
Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool
In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.
Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.
Proactive Security Operations Underway
Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace
Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.
Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.
Call for National Unity
The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.
“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.
The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.
IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid a working visit to Plateau State following recent unrest, holding strategic talks with Governor Caleb Muftwang on measures to strengthen security and prevent further disturbances.
As part of immediate steps to stabilise the situation, the police chief authorised the deployment of specialised tactical units to support officers already on ground across affected areas.
Governor Muftwang commended the swift intervention of the police leadership, praising the dedication and professionalism of security personnel working to restore calm. He also acknowledged the efforts of mobile police officers and lauded the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.
Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Plateau State Government reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enhanced collaboration remains key to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
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