Grassroots Governance Failure Fuels Insecurity — Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has attributed part of Nigeria’s security challenges to the failure of effective grassroots governance, stressing that weak local government administration has hindered national development and contributed to insecurity across the country.

Tinubu made the remarks on Friday during his Democracy Day address, where he highlighted the importance of strengthening governance at the local level to ensure that democratic dividends reach ordinary citizens.

According to the President, his administration has prioritised financial autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local government councils as part of efforts to deepen democracy and improve service delivery at the grassroots.

He noted that democracy can only thrive when citizens feel its impact in their daily lives through improved governance, security, and development.

“Recognising that democracy is undermined when people do not feel its impact, my administration has sought financial autonomy for our 774 local councils,” Tinubu said.

The President argued that one of the major obstacles to Nigeria’s progress has been ineffective local government administration, which he said has weakened governance structures closest to the people.

He maintained that the deterioration of grassroots governance has created conditions that contribute to insecurity in many parts of the country.

“A fundamental challenge to our nation’s advancement has been ineffective local government administration. The insecurity we are addressing is partly due to the collapse of grassroots governance,” he stated.

Tinubu explained that strengthening local governments would improve community-level development, enhance accountability, and create more responsive institutions capable of addressing local challenges before they escalate.

He said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is designed to ensure that all Nigerians benefit from governance regardless of their location, social status, or economic background.

The President stressed that national development requires strong institutions at every level of government, particularly at the grassroots where citizens interact most directly with public services.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Tinubu said each generation has a unique responsibility in shaping the nation’s future.

According to him, Nigeria’s founding fathers secured political independence, while the heroes of June 12 fought to establish and defend democratic rule.

He argued that the current generation must focus on achieving economic prosperity and sustainable development.

“The generation of our founding fathers secured independence. The generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” the President said.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to governance reforms aimed at improving security, economic opportunities, and the overall welfare of Nigerians.