Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for deeper collaboration between government and civil society organisations (CSOs) to accelerate sustainable development and improve the quality of life for residents.
The governor made the appeal while addressing stakeholders at a gathering of civil society organisations and community-based groups, where he highlighted the critical role of partnerships in promoting good governance, transparency and inclusive development.
Sanwo-Olu said governments alone cannot address the complex social, economic and environmental challenges facing society, stressing that meaningful progress depends on active collaboration with civil society, development partners and the private sector. He noted that CSOs serve as vital links between government and the people by advocating for accountability, encouraging citizen participation and supporting the implementation of community-based initiatives.
According to the governor, the Lagos State Government remains committed to maintaining an open and inclusive governance system that welcomes constructive engagement from civil society groups. He said such partnerships would help strengthen public trust, improve service delivery and ensure that government policies reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
Sanwo-Olu also emphasised the importance of the “Nigeria First” principle, urging stakeholders to place national interest above personal or sectional considerations while working together to build a more prosperous and united country. He encouraged civil society organisations to continue promoting peace, civic responsibility and democratic values through sustained public engagement.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where government institutions, community organisations and citizens can collaborate to deliver lasting solutions to developmental challenges.
He added that Lagos would continue to invest in programmes that promote social inclusion, economic growth, environmental sustainability and innovation, while strengthening partnerships that contribute to the state’s long-term development goals.
Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that stronger cooperation between government and civil society would drive inclusive growth, enhance public accountability and support the delivery of sustainable development outcomes, positioning Lagos as a model of participatory governance and responsible leadership in Nigeria.
About the Author
