The Nigerian Senate has linked worsening insecurity in the country to a rising culture of indiscipline, urging the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to strengthen civic values and public reorientation campaigns.
The position followed the adoption of a motion titled “The Growing Menace of Indiscipline in Nigerian Society”, sponsored by Dachung Mwadkon, senator representing Plateau North.
Lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as increasing cases of indiscipline across public life, including traffic violations, vandalism, workplace misconduct, political intolerance, disregard for lawful authority, protocol breaches at official events, and misuse of social media.
The motion warned that, if unchecked, the trend could further weaken national security, economic growth, education, social stability, and democratic governance.
Moving the motion, Mwadkon said reports from communities, civil society groups, schools and the media indicated a “disturbing rise” in anti-social behaviour, youth violence and abuse of public infrastructure.
He added that indiscipline had contributed to insecurity, erosion of societal values, weakening of institutions, and declining public trust in governance.
According to the lawmaker, the drivers include poor civic education, weak parenting, youth unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, poor law enforcement, abuse of authority, and a culture of impunity.
Anthony Ani, senator representing Ebonyi South, said: “This motion is timely, multifaceted, and cuts across all aspects of human endeavours. Indiscipline has been the bane of many societies,” adding that discipline remains central to national development.
He said: “I agree totally that discipline is a fundamental requirement for national development, social cohesion, and public order.”
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau described discipline as essential to personal and national progress.
“If you are disciplined, it is a sure way of being successful in life. It involves all aspects of our life, that is, becoming upright. It is all about civic duty,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said indiscipline lies at the root of criminality and other social vices.
“Indiscipline is the bedrock of all the societal behaviours that we have. Discipline should start from the homes,” he said.
He added: “When our children are disciplined, I believe strongly they will not go into criminality, banditry, and they will shun all sources of vices that will bring reproach to Nigeria and their families.”
Akpabio called on the NOA to intensify enlightenment campaigns promoting discipline, respect for rules, and responsible citizenship, particularly among young people.
The Senate also urged the federal government to implement a national re-orientation and civic responsibility programme aimed at promoting patriotism, integrity and responsible citizenship.
It further called for stronger youth development initiatives, skills acquisition programmes, employment opportunities, and social intervention schemes to address underlying causes of indiscipline.
Lawmakers also urged political leaders, public institutions, traditional rulers, religious organisations, schools and civil society groups to lead sustained public enlightenment on moral values and civic duties.
