The Civil Society Organisations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as bold development reforms, while also outlining key concerns and pledging a strategic partnership to support the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Addressing the President, CSCHEI Director-General, Kunle Yusuf, speaking on behalf of accredited civil society organisations (CSOs) across Nigeria, described Tinubu as “the chief architect of Nigeria’s new financial infrastructure.“
“We, the leadership of Accredited Civil Society Organisations across Nigeria, stand before you today as partners in nation-building.“
“Our mandate is clear: to complement government efforts, amplify credible citizen voices, and ensure development reaches the last mile. It is in this spirit of constructive partnership that we address you,” he said.
CSCHEI, a United Nations-recognised platform, is responsible for coordinating, supervising and promoting accredited CSOs and community-based organisations (CBOs) within Nigeria’s socio-political, economic and democratic development space.
The organisation stated that of the 25,500 operational CSOs, CBOs and NGOs in Nigeria, more than 15,000 are implementing programmes aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Under its umbrella, CSCHEI coordinates 7,000 accredited organisations and actively works with 3,500, with operational presence in 460 local government areas across 26 states.
“Our administrative and operational strategy is systemic, anchored on the principles of Logic, Science, and Data,” Yusuf added.
The group highlighted several initiatives introduced since May, 2023 under President Tinubu’s administration, noting that they intersect directly with the development space in which civil society operates.
These include national revenue generation and financial restructuring, which CSCHEI said, has recorded growth exceeding 300 per cent, as well as the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund aimed at unlocking capital for roads, rail and energy.
Other initiatives cited by Yusuf were the Student Loan Scheme (NELFUND), the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, food security and agricultural mechanisation efforts, and health sector reforms, including the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
He also acknowledged the expansion of social investment programmes, climate action and financing efforts, and the Federal Government’s policy on local government autonomy.
“These interventions demonstrate the political will to address structural bottlenecks. As civil society, we have documented these efforts and are aligning our community programming to reinforce them,” Yusuf said.
On global development indicators, the organisation noted that Nigeria is now ranked fourth in Africa on climate change and financing, while also recording positive performance trajectories in areas such as health and education.
“Globally, Nigeria is ranked 147th on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index and 37th in Africa. Your Excellency, following COP30 and the 2025 United Nations General Assembly, we have participated in multiple global technical sessions on development indicators. The trend is positive: Nigeria is moving forward,” he added.
Identifying several areas of concern requiring urgent attention, CSCHEI said: “These include rising cost-of-living pressures and limited coverage of social protection programmes, regulatory uncertainties affecting civil society organisations, insecurity affecting humanitarian access, and issues relating to democratic stability, electoral integrity, judicial independence and security intelligence.“
The group also called for improved engagement with international donor agencies and easier access to global grant funding.
“While fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification were necessary reforms, poverty levels remain high.“
“Coverage under the cash transfer programme remains below the 15 million vulnerable households targeted. Enhanced speed and transparency in disbursement are imperative,” Yusuf said.
He further noted that “development cannot thrive where aid cannot reach,” highlighting access challenges faced by humanitarian actors in parts of the North West, North Central and South East.
The organisation also expressed appreciation to several individuals for their contributions to development, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Mr Seyi Tinubu, and Engr Gbenga Komolafe and Dr Judith Mayen Ogbara.
CSCHEI pledged to partner with the Federal Government on research, development, monitoring and evaluation, and to support efforts to improve access to global grants and strengthen collaboration with development partners.
“In conclusion, we have resolved and committed to partner with your administration on research, development, monitoring, and evaluation, and are ready to work with relevant agencies to enhance accessibility to global grant interventions and strengthen partnership support systems with donor agencies and development partners worldwide.“
“Finally, Nigeria has the potential to lead the world. We, the National Leadership of Accredited CSOs and CBOs, pledge to support this government in pursuing national unity and the peace of our dear country, Nigeria. Our priority is Nigeria First. Thank you, Mr President, for this privilege,“ Yusuf said.
