President Bola Tinubu has called on civil society organisations across the country to align more closely with national development priorities, urging them to place Nigeria’s interests above foreign influence and funding that could undermine the country’s sovereignty.
The President made the call at the Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit in Lagos, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
Speaking on the theme, “Nigeria First and Sustainable Development,” Tinubu said civil society organisations should move beyond being critics of government and become active partners in promoting sustainable development, good governance, poverty reduction and human capital development.
He described the contributions of civil society groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, flood disasters and other national emergencies as acts of patriotism, adding that the “Nigeria First” policy is centred on ensuring that government policies and partnerships prioritise the welfare of Nigerians.
The President said the summit’s theme aligns with the objectives of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of economic reforms, national security, food security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrialisation and governance.
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Tinubu identified food security as a key area for collaboration, urging civil society organisations to work with government agencies and local communities to promote climate-smart agriculture, support farmers and fishermen, and protect wetlands and mangroves against environmental degradation.
He also highlighted job creation, enterprise development, renewable energy and the blue economy as critical sectors capable of generating sustainable employment for young people and women.
On governance, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, encouraging civil society groups to participate in budget tracking, community monitoring and other social accountability initiatives to improve service delivery.
While acknowledging the important role of international partnerships, Tinubu cautioned civil society organisations against accepting foreign funding capable of compromising Nigeria’s national interests, stressing that their activities should always be guided by patriotism and the country’s development priorities.
