By Francis Wilfred
President Bola Tinubu has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria to align more closely with the Federal Government’s development agenda and place national interest above all other considerations. He also cautioned civic groups against accepting foreign funding that could undermine the country’s sovereignty, security and development objectives.
The President made the call on Wednesday while addressing participants at the Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit held in Lagos. Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu said CSOs should move beyond being seen merely as critics of government and become active partners in promoting sustainable development, accountability and good governance.
Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Nigeria First and Sustainable Development,” the President described civil society groups as critical stakeholders in national development. He commended their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, flood disasters and other emergencies, noting that their interventions demonstrated patriotism and commitment to the welfare of citizens.
According to a press statement signed by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser on Media to the SGF, the President stated that the concept of “Nigeria First” does not imply isolation from the international community but rather prioritising policies, partnerships and investments that directly benefit Nigerians. He said development efforts must be inclusive, climate-resilient and future-oriented, while being driven by purposeful collaboration among government, civil society and the private sector.
The President noted that the summit’s theme aligns with the objectives of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its eight priority areas, including economic reforms, national security, food security, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, industrialisation and improved governance.
He stressed that CSOs have an important role to play in achieving these goals and ensuring better outcomes for citizens.Tinubu identified food security as one of the major areas requiring closer collaboration between government and civic organisations. He warned that forecasts of prolonged rainfall and increased flooding in parts of Southern Nigeria could threaten agricultural production and livelihoods. He therefore urged CSOs to support climate-smart agriculture, assist farmers and fishermen, and advocate the protection of wetlands and mangrove ecosystems.
The President also highlighted job creation and enterprise development as key strategies for reducing poverty. He pointed to opportunities in the marine and blue economy, renewable energy and climate-related industries, saying stronger partnerships among governments, businesses and civil society organisations could create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youths and women.
On governance and accountability, Tinubu assured participants that his administration welcomes constructive criticism and public oversight. He encouraged CSOs to strengthen their engagement in budget tracking, community monitoring, data sharing and social accountability initiatives that can improve service delivery and enhance public trust in government institutions.
He further called for greater collaboration in healthcare and education, noting that climate change continues to worsen public health challenges, including the spread of diseases such as malaria and cholera. The President cited reforms being implemented under the Federal Government’s HOPE Governance Programme, supported by the World Bank, to improve transparency, financing and workforce management in primary healthcare and basic education.
Tinubu, however, warned civil society organisations to be cautious in accepting foreign funding, insisting that national interest and ethical considerations must guide their decisions. He also cautioned against the unchecked proliferation of CSOs, saying it could create opportunities for criminal and unethical actors to infiltrate the civic space.
Reaffirming his commitment to structured engagement with civil society, the President urged participants to produce actionable resolutions from the summit and announced plans to convene a national summit of CSOs in Abuja later this year.
