President says civil society groups must prioritise national interest, embrace partnership with government, and avoid foreign influence that undermines Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged civil society organisations (CSOs) to prioritise Nigeria’s national interest above external influences, warning against accepting foreign funding capable of undermining the country’s sovereignty and development goals.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, at the Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit in Lagos on Wednesday, Tinubu said the “Nigeria First” philosophy places the welfare of Nigerians at the centre of every policy and partnership.
The President called on CSOs to move beyond criticism and collaborate with government in promoting good governance, poverty reduction, food security, education, healthcare and sustainable development. He also encouraged civic groups to support climate-smart agriculture, youth employment and public accountability initiatives.
Tinubu, however, cautioned against the unchecked proliferation of civil society organisations, warning that it could create room for unethical and criminal elements. He announced that a National Civil Society Organisations Summit would be held in Abuja later this year to strengthen collaboration between government and the civic sector.