The Senate has attributed the worsening security situation in Nigeria to what it described as a growing culture of indiscipline, urging the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify efforts aimed at restoring civic values and responsible citizenship across the country.
The position was adopted during plenary following the consideration of a motion titled “The Growing Menace of Indiscipline in Nigerian Society,” sponsored by Senator Dachung Mwadkon, who represents Plateau North.
Lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as increasing acts of indiscipline in various sectors of society, including traffic violations, destruction of public property, workplace misconduct, political intolerance, disregard for lawful authority, breaches of public protocol, and the misuse of social media platforms.
According to the Senate, the persistence of such behaviours poses a serious threat to national development and could further weaken security, economic growth, educational progress, social cohesion and democratic governance if not urgently addressed.
Leading the debate, Mwadkon said reports from communities, educational institutions, civil society groups and the media indicate a troubling rise in anti-social conduct, youth violence and abuse of public facilities. He argued that the erosion of discipline has contributed significantly to insecurity, weakened institutions and declining public trust in government.
Several senators supported the motion, describing indiscipline as a major challenge confronting the nation.
Senator Anthony Ani said indiscipline has become one of Nigeria’s most pressing problems, while Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau stressed that discipline remains essential for both individual success and national development.
Speaking during the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio argued that indiscipline is among the underlying factors fueling criminality, banditry and other social vices across the country.
Akpabio called on the NOA to strengthen public awareness campaigns that promote respect for rules, civic responsibility and ethical conduct, particularly among children and young people.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate urged the Federal Government to develop and implement a comprehensive national reorientation programme focused on patriotism, integrity, accountability and responsible citizenship.
The upper legislative chamber also called for expanded youth empowerment initiatives, including skills acquisition programmes, employment opportunities and social intervention schemes, which lawmakers said could help address some of the factors contributing to indiscipline.
In addition, the Senate urged state governments, local government councils, traditional rulers, religious organizations, educational institutions and civil society groups to intensify public enlightenment efforts aimed at promoting moral values, civic duties and respect for constituted authority.
The lawmakers maintained that rebuilding a culture of discipline and civic responsibility is critical to addressing many of the social and security challenges confronting the country.
