The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is guided by the fundamental objectives and objective principles of state policy as contained in Chapter II of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The most fundamental objective and primary purpose of any government that is founded on the Constitution shall be the security and welfare of the people. Accordingly, the Government (including the federal and state governments) must prioritize the security and welfare of its Citizens at all times. This is by virtue of the provisions of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution.

It is a fundamental principle of interpretation of Statutes and the Constitution that sections/provisions of the law are not read in isolation, but are rather read as a whole. Therefore, when trying to understand what the drafters of the Constitution intended in Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, it is important to read the said subsection together with the provisions of the preceding Section 14(1) and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution.

Section 14(1) of the Constitution provides thus:

“Section 14(1) – The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State based on the principles of democracy and social justice.”

Section 14(2)(a) and (b) provides thus:-

“Section 14(2)- It is hereby, accordingly, declared that –

sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority;
the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government; and
The participation of the people in the government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.”

Read more: https://thefederation.com.ng/2020/10/20/security-welfare-and-legitimacy-by-nonso-anyasi/