JUST IN: SERAP, Nigerian guild of editors urge National Assembly to reject foreign aid regulation bill

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ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have urged the leadership of the National Assembly to immediately reject and withdraw the proposed Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, warning that the legislation could threaten civic space, media freedom and democratic participation in Nigeria.

The organisations called on the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to halt further consideration of the bill, describing it as unnecessary, unlawful and unconstitutional.

The proposed legislation, identified as SB.1034 and sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gombe North, seeks to establish a regulatory framework for organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance.

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According to SERAP and the NGE, the bill would impose mandatory registration and disclosure requirements on civil society organisations, independent media organisations, religious bodies and other private entities that receive foreign aid.

The groups warned that the proposed framework could significantly expand government control over organisations involved in civic, humanitarian and public-interest activities.

They also raised concerns over the sanctions proposed under the legislation, including a minimum fine of N20 million for civil society organisations and private entities, as well as the possible suspension or revocation of operating licences.

SERAP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors argued that although the bill is presented as an effort to promote transparency and accountability, its provisions could be used to place excessive restrictions on the legitimate activities of civil society organisations, the media and other independent institutions.

The organisations therefore urged the National Assembly to reject and withdraw the bill and publicly commit not to introduce legislation that would unjustifiably restrict freedom of association, civic participation or media freedom.

They warned that the legislation, if passed into law despite what they described as serious constitutional and human rights concerns, could face a legal challenge.

“Should the Bill be passed into law despite the serious constitutional and human rights concerns raised, SERAP and NGE will consider taking all appropriate legal action in the public interest to challenge it and protect freedom of association, media freedom and civic participation,” the groups said.

The intervention comes amid growing concerns among civil society and media stakeholders over legislative measures that could expand regulatory oversight of organisations receiving foreign funding.

SERAP and the NGE maintained that transparency and accountability must not be pursued in a manner that undermines constitutional freedoms or weakens the ability of civil society organisations and independent media to operate freely.

The groups said Nigeria’s democratic institutions would be better strengthened through laws that promote accountability while protecting freedom of expression, association and legitimate civic engagement.

They urged lawmakers to carefully consider the potential implications of the proposed bill for Nigeria’s democratic space before taking further action on the legislation.