President Bola Tinubu has declared that civil society organisations (CSOs) are no longer in opposition to government but have become critical partners in governance, urging them to play a more active role in promoting accountability, transparency, sustainable development and ethical leadership across the country.

The President made the declaration on Wednesday at the maiden Southern Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Summit held in Lagos, with the theme, “Nigeria First on Sustainable Development.”

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Tinubu said the Federal Government now views CSOs as co-architects of national development whose contributions are essential to the success of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the era when civil society organisations were regarded solely as critics or opposition voices has passed, stressing that their role in strengthening transparency, social accountability and community development is indispensable.

Tinubu called on the organisations to intensify their efforts in monitoring public spending, tracking budget implementation, promoting climate action, fostering national unity and supporting ethical governance.

He commended Nigerian civil society groups for their interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in promoting public health awareness, supporting vulnerable communities and enhancing grassroots accountability.

The President also praised faith-based and community organisations for their response to climate-related disasters, describing their efforts in assisting affected communities, mobilising volunteers and demanding transparent institutional responses as commendable acts of patriotism.

Speaking on the summit’s theme, Tinubu said placing Nigerians at the centre of public policy, partnerships and investments remains fundamental to his administration’s vision.

“‘Nigeria First’ does not mean Nigeria alone. It means that every policy, partnership and public investment must prioritise the welfare of Nigerians while ensuring development remains inclusive, climate-resilient and future-oriented,” he said.

The President noted that the summit aligns with the eight priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda, including economic reform, food security, national security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, industrialisation, digitalisation and good governance.

Describing the Renewed Hope Agenda as a social contract with Nigerians, Tinubu said civil society organisations have a crucial role to play in achieving its objectives through constructive engagement with government.

On food security, the President warned that forecasts of prolonged rainfall and flooding across parts of the country underscore the need to develop climate-smart and flood-resilient agricultural systems.

He advocated increased support for farmers and fishermen, improved storage and transportation infrastructure, as well as the protection of wetlands and mangrove ecosystems to safeguard livelihoods.

Tinubu also highlighted the economic opportunities within the marine and blue economy, renewable energy and climate innovation, urging Nigerian youths to explore emerging sectors such as solar energy, aquaculture, waste management and climate services.

He called for stronger collaboration among government, civil society and the private sector to create more opportunities for young people and women.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the President invited CSOs to deepen their participation in budget tracking, community monitoring, citizens’ scorecards, data sharing and other social accountability initiatives aimed at improving public service delivery.

Tinubu further identified climate change as a growing threat to public health and economic development, warning that recurring floods continue to increase the prevalence of cholera, malaria and other water-borne diseases.

He also referenced the Federal Government’s partnership with the World Bank under the HOPE Governance Programme, which seeks to strengthen public financial management, transparency, basic education and primary healthcare delivery.

The President urged civil society organisations to strengthen internal governance by adopting robust self-regulatory mechanisms capable of preventing infiltration by unethical and criminal elements.

According to him, professionalism, transparency and national interest must remain the guiding principles for the leadership, funding and operations of CSOs.

In his remarks, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described civil society as the lifeblood of every thriving democracy, stressing that governments and CSOs should be seen as partners rather than adversaries.

He noted that civil society serves as a bridge between government and citizens through advocacy, public mobilisation and the promotion of transparency and good governance.

While acknowledging the importance of constructive criticism in a democracy, Sanwo-Olu urged civil society organisations to ensure that their advocacy remains factual, patriotic and solution-driven.

“The privilege of holding others to account comes with a corresponding duty to be constructive, factual, fair and patriotic,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos State Government has institutionalised citizen engagement through open budget processes, town hall meetings and structured consultations with civil society on policies covering education, healthcare, environmental protection and social development.

According to him, policies developed through collaboration with citizens enjoy greater public acceptance and are more sustainable than those implemented without consultation.

“The Lagos experience demonstrates that government and civil society are partners in progress. They are two wings of the same bird, which must work together if the nation is to soar,” he added.

Earlier, the Director-General and National Convener of the Southern Civil Society Organisation Summit, Kunle Yusuf, said the event was convened to promote inclusive governance, strengthen multi-stakeholder collaboration, assess progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate partnerships, and reaffirm stakeholders’ commitment to national development.

He also urged civil society organisations to embrace professionalism, strengthen regulatory compliance and develop practical strategies to support local government autonomy and grassroots development.