....Gov Abiodun Seeks Government-CSO Collaboration to Ensure Policies Reach Grassroots
...Akume, Sanwo-Olu Urge Civil Society Groups to Champion National Interest, Accountability
The Federal and Ogun State Governments have called for a more structured and strategic partnership between government institutions and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to enhance governance, strengthen accountability, and ensure effective delivery of development interventions to citizens.
The call was made at the maiden Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme, “Nigeria First on Sustainable Development.”
The summit brought together accredited CSOs, Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), development partners, government representatives, and other stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on national unity, governance, security, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Speaking on the theme, “Strategic Partnership Between Government and CSOs,” Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun who was represented by his Special Adviser on Development Partners Coordination, Dr. Bayo Adenekan, stressed the need for a deliberate framework that would reposition government and civil society as development partners.
Gov Abiodun argued that government and CSOs could no longer operate as separate entities, noting that both have complementary roles in addressing socio-economic challenges and improving the welfare of citizens.
He called for the establishment of a structured collaboration mechanism that would enable policies and interventions to effectively reach intended beneficiaries, especially at the grassroots.
“We call for the establishment of a structured framework for collaboration between government and civil society as partners in nation-building, ensuring that public service delivery effectively reaches the last mile,” Abiodun stated.
He noted that while CSOs possess strong grassroots networks, community intelligence, advocacy experience, and the capacity to monitor public projects, government provides the policy direction, regulatory environment, and resources needed to achieve sustainable development.
The Governor urged stakeholders to embrace transparency, accountability, mutual respect, and continuous engagement in building stronger institutions.
Representing President Bola Tinubu at the summit, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described CSOs as important partners in national development rather than adversaries of government.
Akume said the role of civil society organisations had evolved beyond criticism, describing them as “co-architects of national resilience” whose contributions complement government efforts.
He noted that the summit was consistent with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of food security, poverty reduction, human capital development, and climate resilience.
The SGF urged CSOs to strengthen their roles in budget monitoring, transparency advocacy, and data-driven accountability, while cautioning organisations against accepting external support that could compromise Nigeria’s national interest.
Akume also announced that the Federal Government would host a National CSO Summit in Abuja in the fourth quarter of 2026 as part of efforts to deepen engagement between government and citizens.
In his remarks, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described government and civil society as “two wings of the same bird,” stressing that constructive collaboration was essential to addressing insecurity, economic challenges, youth unemployment, and misinformation.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State had institutionalised citizen participation through open budgeting, consultations, and other engagement platforms, adding that policies developed through collaboration often enjoy greater acceptance among citizens.
Earlier, the Director-General and National Convener of the summit, Mr. Kunle Yusuf, said the gathering was designed to promote inclusive governance, evaluate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strengthen partnerships on climate change and sustainable development.
Yusuf urged CSOs to maintain professionalism, comply with regulatory requirements, and develop practical approaches to support local government autonomy and grassroots development.
The Deputy Country Representative of the United Nations, Amb. Patience Ekeoba, acknowledged the challenges facing global development financing but reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Nigerian CSOs through technical assistance, capacity building, and institutional strengthening.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, who served as the technical partner for the summit, emphasised that evidence-based policymaking and strategic partnerships remained critical drivers of sustainable national development.
The summit ended with a renewed call for stronger government-CSO cooperation, improved citizen participation, and innovative approaches to achieving inclusive growth and effective service delivery across Nigeria.
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