President Bola Tinubu has called on civil society organisations (CSOs) across the country to align more closely with his administration’s development agenda, urging them to put national interests first and reject foreign funding capable of undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty and development priorities.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), the President made the call on Wednesday at the Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit in Lagos.

Tinubu said CSOs must move beyond being viewed solely as critics of government and become active partners in promoting sustainable development, good governance, poverty reduction and human capital development.

The President was represented at the summit by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria First and Sustainable Development,” Tinubu commended civil society groups for their interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic, flood disasters and other national emergencies, describing their contributions as patriotism in action.

“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.

Declaring the summit open, the President noted that civic organisations play critical roles in public enlightenment, accountability, humanitarian support and community mobilisation.

He said the theme of the summit aligns with the objectives of his Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s eight priority areas, including economic reforms, national security, food security, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, industrialisation and improved governance.

According to him, CSOs remain vital partners in achieving these goals and delivering tangible benefits to Nigerians.

Tinubu identified food security as a key area for collaboration, warning that forecasts of prolonged rainfall and increased flood risks across several southern states could threaten livelihoods and agricultural production.

He urged civil society groups to work closely with government agencies and local communities to promote climate-smart agriculture, support farmers and fishermen, protect wetlands and restore mangroves that serve as natural barriers against environmental disasters.

The President also highlighted job creation and enterprise development as essential tools for reducing poverty, pointing to opportunities in the marine and blue economy, renewable energy and climate-related industries.

He said stronger cooperation among government, civil society and the private sector would help generate sustainable employment opportunities for young people and women across the region.

On governance, Tinubu assured participants that his administration welcomes constructive criticism and accountability mechanisms. He encouraged CSOs to deepen their involvement in budget tracking, community monitoring, data sharing and social accountability initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and strengthening public confidence in government institutions.

The President further called for greater collaboration in the healthcare and education sectors, noting that climate change is increasingly contributing to the spread of diseases such as cholera and malaria.

He referenced ongoing reforms under the Federal Government’s HOPE Governance Programme, being implemented in partnership with the World Bank, to improve transparency, financing and workforce management in basic education and primary healthcare.

Tinubu, however, cautioned civil society organisations against accepting foreign funding that could compromise Nigeria’s interests, stressing that national priorities and ethical considerations must guide their operations. (Channels TV)

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