President Bola Tinubu has directed the establishment of a quarterly Government-Civil Society Policy Dialogue Forum. This initiative aims to institutionalize citizen participation in policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. The forum will provide a platform for evidence-based advocacy, ensuring grassroots concerns are reflected in government decisions. This move is part of Tinubu's renewed hope agenda to strengthen public trust and institutional accountability.
The President made this announcement at the 2026 National Civil Society Organisation Summit in Abuja. The summit's theme, "Nigeria First," aligns with the government's efforts to reaffirm the social contract between the state and citizens. Tinubu, represented by Senator George Akume, emphasized the critical role of civil society in Nigeria's democratic development. CSOs have historically given voice to vulnerable groups, influenced policy, and advocated for social justice, human rights, and poverty reduction.
The Government-Civil Society Policy Dialogue Forum will also focus on localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations, development partners, and the private sector will support capacity building and institutional sustainability among CSOs. This collaboration aims to enhance the role of CSOs in driving national development and promoting inclusive, equitable, and sustainable growth.
Ambassador Kunle Yusuf, National Convener of the National Civil Society Organisation Summit, highlighted the extensive grassroots information available with CSOs. This data can help the government identify emerging problems and design responsive interventions. Yusuf's organization, CSCHEI, works with 3,700 accredited civil society and community-based organizations across 485 areas, providing a potential bridge between communities and government.
The summit proposed a sustainable partnership compact between the government, civil society, and the private sector. This framework will enable joint work on national priorities, rather than operating from positions of suspicion. The compact will provide a mechanism for monitoring government policies, budgets, and electoral promises, ensuring that community-generated information reaches relevant authorities.
Ambassador Lawrence Olufemi, representing the Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), emphasized the institute's commitment to strengthening democratic and political institutions. NIPSS has developed programs to improve inter-party democracy, promote political stability, and enhance peace, equality, diversity, and transparency within political parties.
The 2026 National Civil Society Organisation Summit brought together government officials, civil society leaders, and stakeholders to discuss national development, skills development, technology, traditional institutions, and governance. The event aimed to foster collaboration and identify solutions for Nigeria's challenges. Key outcomes include a renewed commitment to partnership and a framework for sustainable collaboration between the government and CSOs.
Key points
- President Tinubu's administration aims to strengthen public trust and institutional accountability through the Government-Civil Society Policy Dialogue Forum.
- The forum will provide a platform for evidence-based advocacy, ensuring grassroots concerns are reflected in government decisions.
- The partnership between the government and CSOs aims to promote inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development in Nigeria.
