By Henry Umoru, Abuja
The Senate on Wednesday called on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to intensify public enlightenment campaigns aimed at tackling rising indiscipline in the country, warning that social decay is increasingly fueling insecurity and weakening national values.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to develop a comprehensive National Re-Orientation and Civic Responsibility Programme to promote discipline, patriotism, integrity, and responsible citizenship among Nigerians.
The resolutions followed a motion titled “The Growing Menace of Indiscipline in Nigerian Society”, sponsored by Senator Dachung Pam Mwadkon (Plateau North).
The Senate expressed concern over what it described as the worsening culture of indiscipline across different sectors, including traffic violations, vandalism, workplace misconduct, political intolerance, disregard for lawful authority, and misuse of social media.
It warned that if left unchecked, the trend could further undermine national security, economic growth, education, and democratic stability.
The upper chamber also urged government agencies to strengthen youth development programmes, skills acquisition, employment opportunities, and social interventions as part of efforts to address the root causes of indiscipline.
It further called on political leaders, public office holders, traditional rulers, religious institutions, schools, and civil society organisations to lead by example and promote accountability, civic responsibility, and ethical conduct.
Moving the motion, Senator Mwadkon said indiscipline had become widespread and was contributing to rising insecurity, erosion of values, and declining public confidence in governance.
He identified causes such as weak civic education, unemployment, poverty, poor parenting, weak law enforcement, and a growing culture of impunity.
He warned that failure to address the trend could lead to further social instability, criminality, and political unrest.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, stressed the need for renewed civic education, saying indiscipline remains a key driver of criminal behaviour in the country.
“Discipline should start from the home. Nigerians travel abroad and obey the rules, yet disregard them at home,” he said.
He urged the NOA to intensify efforts in restoring civic values, especially among young people, to build a more orderly and responsible society.
