Tinubu Warn CSOs Against Harmful Foreign Funding
Dr. Nafisat Makinɗe, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has warned civil society organisations (CSOs) to exercise caution in accepting foreign funding that could undermine Nigeria’s national interest, urging them to ensure that ethical considerations guide their operations.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, gave the warning on Wednesday at the Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit in Lagos. The remarks were contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yomi Odunuga.
Tinubu said CSOs remain important partners in national development and called on them to work more closely with government in promoting good governance, poverty reduction and human capital development. He said the Nigeria First policy is aimed at ensuring that government policies, partnerships and public investments place the welfare of Nigerians at the centre of national development.
“National interest and ethical considerations must drive your acceptance of funding that may be detrimental,” the President said.
He commended civil society groups for their interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic, flood disasters and other humanitarian emergencies, describing their contributions as vital to national development.
Tinubu urged CSOs to strengthen collaboration with government and local communities in addressing food security and the growing impact of climate change, particularly as forecasts of prolonged rainfall and flooding threaten farming activities in parts of southern Nigeria. He encouraged support for climate smart agriculture, environmental conservation and the protection of wetlands and mangroves.
The President also identified the marine and blue economy, renewable energy and other climate related industries as sectors with the potential to create sustainable jobs, especially for young people and women.
On governance, Tinubu said his administration welcomes constructive scrutiny and encouraged CSOs to deepen their participation in budget tracking, community monitoring, data sharing and social accountability to improve public service delivery. He also called for stronger collaboration in healthcare and education to address the growing impact of climate related diseases such as cholera and malaria.
Tinubu cautioned against the unchecked proliferation of civil society organisations, warning that it could create opportunities for criminal and unethical actors to infiltrate the civic space.
“Proliferation of CSOs must be avoided so the terrain is not taken over by criminally minded and ethically deficient players,” he said.
The President urged participants to adopt practical resolutions from the summit and announced that a National Civil Society Organisations Summit would be held in Abuja later this year.