President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on civil society organisations (CSOs) to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty by rejecting foreign funding and influences that could undermine national priorities.
Speaking 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—Tinubu urged CSOs to place Nigeria’s welfare above external interests. He encouraged them to evolve from being mere critics of government into active partners in advancing sustainable development, good governance, poverty reduction, and human capital growth.
Commending CSOs for their interventions during national emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic and flood disasters, Tinubu described their efforts as acts of patriotism. He emphasized that the “Nigeria First” philosophy is not about isolation but about ensuring that every policy, partnership, and investment prioritizes the welfare of Nigerians.
The President highlighted his administration’s eight priority areas—economic reforms, national security, food security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrialisation, and improved governance—stressing that stronger collaboration with civil society is essential to achieving these goals. He particularly identified food security as a pressing concern, warning that prolonged rainfall and flood risks could threaten agricultural productivity.
Tinubu also underscored the importance of climate-smart agriculture, environmental protection, and enterprise development in sectors such as the marine economy and renewable energy, which he said could generate sustainable jobs for youths and women.
On governance, he welcomed constructive criticism and accountability mechanisms, urging CSOs to intensify efforts in budget tracking, community monitoring, and social accountability initiatives. He noted ongoing reforms under the HOPE Governance programme, in partnership with the World Bank, to strengthen transparency and workforce management in education and healthcare.
However, Tinubu cautioned against the unchecked proliferation of CSOs and warned that foreign funding with hidden agendas could compromise Nigeria’s national interest. He advocated for self-regulation within the sector to prevent infiltration by unethical actors.
