The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have urged the National Assembly to reject and withdraw the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, describing it as unnecessary, unconstitutional and a threat to civic space and media freedom.
In a joint open letter dated Aug. 29 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare and NGE General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, the organisations said the bill would create extensive government control over civil society organisations, independent media, religious organisations and other entities receiving foreign assistance.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Ibrahim Dankwambo, PDP-Gombe North, proposes mandatory registration and disclosure requirements for recipients of foreign assistance, with penalties including a minimum fine of 20 million naira, suspension or revocation of operating licences.
SERAP and NGE said the proposed Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission would have broad powers to register organisations, compel disclosures, inspect records, monitor foreign-funded activities, issue directives and impose sanctions.
They argued that Nigeria already has institutions including the Corporate Affairs Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and Federal Inland Revenue Service to oversee corporate, financial and anti-money laundering matters.
The organisations said creating another regulator would be duplicative and could expose independent media and civil society groups to intrusive government supervision, potentially increasing pressure and self-censorship.
They also argued that the bill could affect organisations including humanitarian groups, religious bodies, labour unions, universities, research institutions and technology hubs that receive foreign grants or assistance.
SERAP and NGE said the proposed legislation conflicts with constitutional protections for freedom of expression and association and with Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights instruments.
The organisations warned that the bill could further shrink civic space ahead of the 2027 general elections and urged the National Assembly to prioritise legislation that promotes transparency, accountability, media freedom and democratic participation.
They said they would consider legal action if the bill is passed despite the constitutional and human rights concerns they raised.
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