CSOS BACK TINUBU ON SECURITY EFFORTS, UNVEIL ‘NIGERIA FIRST’ DEVELOPMENT BLUEPRINT

Accredited Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Southern Nigeria have endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to tackle insecurity, calling for greater investment in the country’s security architecture as the foundation for national development.

Presenting the communiqué of the Southern Civil Society Organisations Summit 2026 in Abuja, on Tuesday, the Director-General of the Civil Society Central Coordinating Council (CSCHEI), Dr. Kunle Yusuff, said participants adopted a 15-point “Nigeria First” agenda anchored on security, national unity and sustainable development.

Yusuff said the summit resolved to support stronger funding for the judiciary, intelligence community and security agencies to improve crime prevention, justice delivery and the protection of lives and property.

He stressed that security should not be left to government alone, urging communities to work closely with security agencies through intelligence sharing and neighbourhood vigilance.

According to him, insecurity remains a major threat to food production, as many farmers are unable to access their farmlands.

He therefore urged governments at all levels to secure farming communities and encourage greater youth participation in agriculture to boost food security.

The summit also pledged to reject hate speech, fake news and divisive narratives capable of undermining national unity, while calling for intensified civic education ahead of future elections.

Beyond security, participants adopted “Nigeria First” as the guiding ideology for civil society engagement, committing to stronger collaboration with government in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting transparent governance, expanding social protection and supporting youth empowerment.

Yusuff said the summit attracted over 1,500 delegates and commended President Tinubu for approving federal participation through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and other government agencies, describing it as a sign of the administration’s readiness to work with civil society.

He said the summit concluded with a call on governments, development partners, the private sector, traditional institutions, the media and all Nigerians to work together to implement the resolutions, stressing that “Nigeria First” should serve as a collective commitment to peace, security and national development.