Tinubu Urges CSOs To Prioritise Nigeria’s Interests, Reject Harmful Foreign Influence
Adedokun Waliyu
3 min read
President Bola Tinubu has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria to align more closely with his administration’s development agenda, calling on them to prioritise national interests and reject foreign funding capable of undermining the country’s sovereignty and development objectives.
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.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu said civil society organisations must move beyond being viewed solely as critics of government and instead become active partners in promoting 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 contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, flood disasters and other national emergencies, describing their interventions as demonstrations of patriotism.
He explained that the “Nigeria First” philosophy does not imply isolation but rather ensuring that every policy, partnership and public investment places the welfare of Nigerians at the centre. He added that national development must be inclusive, climate-resilient and future-oriented, driven by purposeful collaboration between government and stakeholders.
Tinubu noted that civil society organisations play essential roles in public enlightenment, humanitarian assistance, accountability and community mobilisation. He said 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 major area for collaboration, 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 agencies and local communities to promote climate-smart agriculture, support farmers and fishermen, protect wetlands and restore mangroves that help reduce the impact of environmental disasters.
He also highlighted job creation and enterprise development as critical strategies for reducing poverty, pointing to opportunities in the marine and blue economy, renewable energy and climate-related industries. According to him, stronger cooperation between government, civil society and the private sector would create sustainable employment opportunities for young people and women.
On governance, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s openness to constructive criticism and accountability. He encouraged civil society groups to strengthen their participation in budget monitoring, community oversight, data sharing and other social accountability initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and rebuilding public trust in government institutions.
The President further called for greater collaboration in the education and healthcare sectors, noting that climate change has contributed to the spread of diseases such as cholera and malaria. He referenced the Federal Government’s HOPE Governance Programme, implemented in partnership with the World Bank, as part of ongoing efforts to improve transparency, financing and workforce management in primary healthcare and basic education.
Tinubu, however, cautioned civil society organisations against accepting foreign funding that could compromise Nigeria’s national interests, stressing that their activities should always be guided by patriotism, ethical principles and the country’s development priorities.
