The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on the National Assembly to immediately withdraw and reject the proposed Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, warning that its passage could significantly restrict civic space, media freedom and democratic participation in Nigeria.
In a joint open letter dated August 29, 2026, SERAP and the NGE described the proposed legislation as unnecessary, unlawful and unconstitutional, arguing that it would create an extensive framework for government control over civil society organisations, independent media, religious bodies and private entities receiving foreign assistance.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe North), proposes mandatory registration and disclosure requirements for recipients of foreign assistance, with sanctions including a minimum fine of ₦20 million, suspension or revocation of operating licences and, in some cases, possible imprisonment.
SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and NGE General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, who signed the letter, warned that the organisations would consider legal action in the public interest if the bill is passed into law.
The groups argued that Nigeria already has several institutions responsible for corporate registration, financial reporting, taxation, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption enforcement, 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.
They said the proposed creation of a Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission would duplicate existing regulatory structures and grant the new body extensive powers to register organisations, compel disclosures, inspect records, investigate activities, monitor foreign assistance, suspend approvals, revoke registrations and impose administrative sanctions.
According to SERAP and the NGE, such powers could expose legitimate civil society groups, media organisations and other private entities to intrusive government supervision and create conditions that could undermine operational independence and encourage self-censorship.
The organisations also expressed concern that the legislation could affect a wide range of institutions, including labour unions, professional associations, universities, research institutes, religious and humanitarian organisations, technology hubs and independent media outlets receiving foreign grants, donations or technical assistance.
They maintained that the bill’s broad definitions of terms such as “foreign aid,” “national priorities” and “public interest” could create opportunities for arbitrary or selective enforcement.
SERAP and the NGE further argued that the proposed legislation conflicts with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and association, while also raising concerns under regional and international human rights standards.
As Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections, the organisations warned that the proposed law could further narrow civic space and weaken democratic participation.
They urged the National Assembly to reject the bill and instead prioritise legislation that strengthens transparency, accountability, media freedom, civic participation and an enabling environment for civil society, humanitarian, religious and private organisations.
