Former Minister of Works and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Babatunde Fashola, has called for stronger law enforcement, improved public accountability, and renewed commitment to security as essential pillars of good governance in Nigeria.
Fashola made the call while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Law, Leadership and the Ballot: Governance Beyond Politics,” he argued that security and the rule of law remain the foundation for economic growth and national development.
According to the former Lagos governor, governments at all levels must move beyond political rhetoric and focus on implementing existing laws and constitutional responsibilities, noting that the security and welfare of citizens remain the primary purpose of government.
Fashola stressed that societies where laws are consistently enforced are more likely to attract investment, encourage entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for prosperity.
He also called for stronger collaboration among the executive, legislature, and judiciary to ensure criminal activities are met with coordinated and effective responses that reinforce public confidence in the justice system.
The former minister linked governance challenges to poor compliance with existing regulations, citing the widespread use of vehicles without registration plates as an example of weak enforcement that undermines accountability and public safety.
On governance, Fashola advocated evidence-based policymaking, urging governments to engage citizens, gather data, and align public spending with the needs and priorities of the people.
He further emphasized the responsibilities of citizens under the social contract, including obeying laws, paying taxes, and supporting law enforcement efforts.
Fashola also called for simpler and more accessible legal language, arguing that court rulings and legal documents should be written in a manner that ordinary citizens can easily understand, thereby reducing confusion and conflicting interpretations.
He concluded by urging legal practitioners to establish a task force on law reform, law enforcement, and regulatory compliance, stressing that Nigeria must move beyond identifying problems and focus on implementing practical solutions.
