President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have cautioned civil society organisations (CSOs) against undue foreign influence, urging them to ensure Nigeria’s national interest remains the priority in accepting external funding.

During a summit for CSOs and community-based groups in Lagos, Tinubu stressed that partnerships must align with the country’s development goals and avoid compromising sovereignty.

He highlighted sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and climate resilience as key areas for collaboration between government and civil society to drive economic growth.Sanwo-Olu echoed these sentiments, emphasizing unity, patriotism, and constructive engagement to tackle Nigeria’s challenges.

Both leaders reiterated the importance of factual advocacy and inclusive policymaking, with Sanwo-Olu noting that citizen participation leads to more sustainable policies.

The summit focused on themes like national unity, food security, climate action, and democratic governance, urging CSOs to combat misinformation and deepen local collaborations.Their messages underscore a commitment to 'Nigeria First' principles while balancing international partnerships with domestic priorities.