Former Minister of Works and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Babatunde Fashola, has urged authorities to strengthen law enforcement and improve governance across the country.
He made the call during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association Law Week in Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Law, Leadership and the Ballot: Governance Beyond Politics,” Fashola stressed the importance of security and the rule of law.
He said sustainable economic growth and national development depend largely on effective security and good governance.
According to him, governments must focus less on political rhetoric and more on implementing existing laws and constitutional obligations.
Fashola noted that the Constitution places the security and welfare of citizens as the primary responsibility of government.
He argued that public safety remains the most important indicator of effective governance.
The former Lagos State governor said nations with strong law enforcement systems often attract investors and create economic opportunities.
“Security and prosperity are inseparable,” he said.
He explained that effective governance requires crime prevention, prosecution of offenders and a justice system that protects citizens.
Fashola also expressed concern over the limited public engagement of Attorneys-General during major criminal incidents.
He said legal officers should play more visible roles in matters relating to public security and justice administration.
The former minister called for stronger collaboration among the executive, legislature and judiciary.
According to him, coordinated responses are necessary to deter criminal activities and strengthen confidence in the rule of law.
Fashola linked some governance failures to poor enforcement of existing regulations.
He cited the widespread use of vehicles without registration plates as an example of weak regulatory compliance.
He described vehicle identification as a simple but vital tool for crime detection and law enforcement.
Allowing vehicles to operate without proper identification, he warned, weakens accountability and public safety.
He urged authorities to enforce registration laws strictly and encouraged citizens to obey regulations regardless of status.
On governance, Fashola said democracy alone does not automatically guarantee quality leadership.
He maintained that governments must consistently engage citizens and understand their priorities.
According to him, public spending should reflect the actual needs of the people.
Drawing from his experience as governor, he recalled conducting surveys to identify citizens’ concerns before making policy decisions.
He stressed that governance should be driven by evidence and data rather than assumptions or political considerations.
Fashola also reminded citizens of their responsibilities under the social contract.
He said obedience to laws, payment of taxes and support for law enforcement are essential duties of every citizen.
According to him, good governance requires commitment from both government and the public.
The former minister further advocated clearer communication within the legal system.
He urged courts and legal practitioners to adopt simple language that ordinary citizens can easily understand.
“Why do we continue to communicate in a way that leaves ordinary citizens confused?” he asked.
“I believe the time has come to give the status quo a rest,” he added.
Fashola suggested replacing complex Latin legal expressions with plain and accessible language.
“In keeping with the theme of this event, I propose that we replace that antiquated Latin expression with something far simpler: the current situation,” he said.
He argued that simple language would reduce confusion and conflicting interpretations of court orders.
“That is language that ordinary people can understand,” he stated.
“When legal orders are written in clear, accessible language, there is less room for confusion and conflicting interpretations.”
“Too often, after a judgment is delivered, both sides emerge claiming victory,” he added.
“If everyone reading the same order arrives at different conclusions, then something is clearly wrong. We must do better.”
“That is my modest recommendation on improving communication within our legal system.”
Fashola concluded by urging legal professionals to establish a task force on legal and institutional reforms.
He said the country must move beyond discussions and focus on practical solutions.
“For too long, our default response has been to identify problems and talk about them,” he said.
“The real challenge is whether we are prepared to do something about them.”
