President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, has called on civil society organisations (CSOs) to align more closely with his administration’s development agenda, urging them to prioritise Nigeria’s national interest and reject foreign funding capable of undermining the country’s sovereignty and development objectives.
According to an official statement signed by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga, the President made the call while addressing the Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit in Lagos on Wednesday.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, President Tinubu urged civil society organisations to move beyond being perceived solely as critics of government and become active partners in advancing sustainable development, good governance, poverty reduction and human capital development.
Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria First and Sustainable Development,” the President commended CSOs for their interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic, flood disasters and other national emergencies, describing their contributions as acts of patriotism.
“Nigeria First does not mean Nigeria alone. It speaks to every policy, partnership and public investment that prioritises the welfare of Nigerians as the main goal. It also means that our development must be inclusive, climate resilient and future facing in a manner that is underpinned by purposeful partnership,” he said.
Tinubu noted that civic organisations have continued to play vital roles in public enlightenment, humanitarian support, accountability and community mobilisation, adding that the summit’s theme aligns with the objectives of his Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s eight priority areas, including economic reforms, national security, food security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrialisation and improved governance.
The President identified food security as a critical area requiring stronger collaboration between government and civil society, warning that forecasts of prolonged rainfall and increased flooding across several southern states could threaten agricultural production and livelihoods.
He urged CSOs to work with government and local communities to promote climate-smart agriculture, support farmers and fishermen, protect wetlands and restore mangroves as natural buffers against environmental disasters.
President Tinubu also highlighted job creation and enterprise development as key strategies for reducing poverty, pointing to opportunities in the marine and blue economy, renewable energy and climate-related industries.
On governance, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, inviting civil society organisations to intensify their participation in budget tracking, community monitoring, data sharing and social accountability initiatives.
“This democratically elected government under my leadership is never averse to constructive scrutiny because we welcome partnership that improves results. I therefore invite our civil society organisations to deepen their contribution through budget tracking, community monitoring, data sharing, social accountability and practical scorecards that help government deliver better outcomes,” he stated.
Tinubu also called for stronger collaboration in healthcare and education, noting that climate change is contributing to the spread of diseases such as cholera and malaria. He highlighted ongoing reforms under the Federal Government’s HOPE Governance Programme, implemented in partnership with the World Bank, to improve transparency, financing and workforce management in basic education and primary healthcare.
The President, however, cautioned civil society organisations against accepting foreign funding that could compromise Nigeria’s national interest.
“I find it patriotic and compelling to admonish you all to remain cautious of the negative impact of foreign influence in whatever cause you pursue. In all circumstances, national interest and ethical considerations must drive your acceptance of funding that may be detrimental. Above all, proliferation of CSOs must be avoided so the terrain is not taken over by criminally minded and ethically deficient players,” he warned.
He advocated self-regulation within the civil society sector, cautioning that the unchecked proliferation of organisations could create opportunities for criminal and unethical actors to infiltrate the civic space.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to structured engagement with civil society, President Tinubu urged participants to develop practical resolutions from the summit and announced plans to convene a National Civil Society Organisations Summit in Abuja later this year.
