Tinubu urges CSOs to reject harmful foreign influence, put Nigeria first

…says civil society should partner government on development, accountability

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to place Nigeria’s national interest above external influences, warning them against accepting foreign funding capable of undermining the country’s sovereignty and development priorities.

The President also called on civic groups to move beyond their traditional role as critics of government and become active partners in advancing sustainable development, good governance, poverty reduction and human capital development.

Tinubu made the call while declaring open the Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit in Lagos, where he was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

Addressing participants on the theme, “Nigeria First and Sustainable Development,” the President commended civil society organisations for their interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic, flood disasters and other national emergencies, describing their contributions as demonstrations of patriotism.

In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the President explained that the “Nigeria First” philosophy was not about isolation but about ensuring that every government policy, partnership and public investment places the welfare of Nigerians at the centre.

“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 important roles in public enlightenment, humanitarian support, accountability and community mobilisation, adding that the summit’s theme aligns with the objectives of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the administration’s eight priority areas, including economic reforms, national security, food security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrialisation and improved governance, require stronger collaboration between government and civil society to achieve better outcomes for Nigerians.

The President identified food security as one of the key areas requiring joint action, warning that forecasts of prolonged rainfall and increased flood risks across several southern states could threaten agricultural production and livelihoods.

He urged civil society groups to work closely with governments 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.

Tinubu also highlighted job creation and enterprise development as critical tools for tackling poverty, pointing to opportunities in the marine and blue economy, renewable energy and other climate-related industries that could generate sustainable employment for youths and women.

On governance, the President assured participants that his administration welcomes constructive criticism and accountability mechanisms, encouraging CSOs to intensify their involvement in budget tracking, community monitoring, data sharing and social accountability initiatives capable of improving public service delivery and strengthening confidence in government institutions.

He further called for greater collaboration in the education and healthcare sectors, noting that climate change is worsening public health challenges through the spread of diseases such as cholera and malaria.

According to him, the Federal Government is already implementing reforms under the HOPE Governance programme, 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 said.

Tinubu advocated self-regulation within the civil society sector, warning that the unchecked proliferation of organisations could create opportunities for unethical and criminal elements to infiltrate the civic space.

Tinubu reiterated that his administration remains committed to engaging civil society constructively, stressing that government welcomes partnerships that improve governance and development outcomes.

The President urged participants to produce practical resolutions from the summit and announced that a National Civil Society Organisations Summit would be held in Abuja later this year to deepen collaboration between government and the civic sector.