President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have urged civil society and community-based organisations to embrace patriotism, accountability and stronger collaboration with government to advance Nigeria’s sustainable development.
Speaking on Wednesday at the National Summit of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) in Lagos, both leaders said closer partnerships between government and non-state actors are critical to achieving national development goals.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu said the summit’s theme, “Nigeria First and Sustainable Development,” reflects the need to place national interest at the centre of public policies, partnerships and investments.
He explained that the “Nigeria First” philosophy is not about isolationism but ensuring government policies and development initiatives prioritise Nigerians’ welfare while promoting inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable growth.
Tinubu said the summit aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic reforms, security, food production, infrastructure, healthcare, education, industrialisation and improved governance.
He identified agriculture, the blue economy, renewable energy and environmental sustainability as sectors where stronger collaboration between government and civil society could stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods.
The President also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to engaging civil society organisations nationwide but cautioned them against allowing foreign funding to undermine Nigeria’s national interest.
Sanwo-Olu described the summit as a timely platform for promoting unity and constructive engagement, saying Nigeria’s challenges require patriotism and collective action.
He said the “Nigeria First” theme should serve as a guiding principle for all Nigerians, urging citizens to place the country’s collective interest above ethnic, religious and political considerations.
The governor also emphasised the role of civil society organisations in strengthening democracy through accountability, transparency, electoral integrity and advocacy for good governance.
However, he urged CSOs to ensure their advocacy remains factual, fair and constructive rather than promoting division.
“The privilege of holding the government accountable comes with a corresponding duty to be constructive, factual, fair and patriotic. Advocacy that inflames division rather than heals it betrays the very communities it seeks to serve,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos State Government has institutionalised citizen participation through open budget processes, town hall meetings and regular consultations with CSOs and CBOs on education, healthcare, transportation, environmental protection and social welfare.
According to him, policies developed through public participation are more sustainable and widely accepted than those introduced without citizens’ input.
The governor also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future despite current economic and security challenges, citing the country’s youthful population, entrepreneurial drive, abundant natural resources and more than 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.
Earlier, the National Convener of the summit, Kunle Yusuf, said the platform serves as the umbrella body for accredited civil society organisations across the country.
He disclosed that about 6,000 registered CSOs, CBOs and non-governmental organisations belong to the platform, with many implementing programmes that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
(The Whistler)
