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 Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, warning that the proposed law could undermine civic space, media freedom and democratic participation in Nigeria.
The two organisations made the demand in a joint open letter dated August 29, 2026, addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
The letter was signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, and NGE General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh.
SERAP and NGE described the proposed legislation, identified as SB.1034, as unnecessary, unlawful and unconstitutional.
They argued that although the bill was presented as an attempt to promote transparency in the receipt and use of foreign assistance, its provisions could give the government wide powers to control civil society organisations, independent media, religious organisations and other private bodies receiving foreign funding.
“Although the Bill is presented in the guise of promoting transparency, it would establish an extensive framework for governmental control over civil society organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance,” the groups said.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo of the Peoples Democratic Party, representing Gombe North, seeks to make registration and disclosure compulsory for organisations and private entities that receive foreign aid.
It also proposes sanctions for violations, including fines of at least N20 million, as well as the suspension or withdrawal of operating licences.
SERAP and NGE said such provisions could place an excessive burden on organisations that depend on foreign grants to carry out legitimate activities in the public interest.
They also questioned the need for the proposed Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission, arguing that Nigeria already has several government institutions responsible for regulating corporate activities, financial reporting, taxation, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption matters.
Among the institutions they listed were the Corporate Affairs Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and Federal Inland Revenue Service.
According to the organisations, creating another regulatory body could result in overlapping responsibilities and give government agencies intrusive powers over legitimate organisations.
The groups expressed particular concern about the possible effect of the bill on independent journalism.
They noted that many media organisations and civil society groups receive foreign grants to fund investigative journalism, fact-checking, journalist safety, public-interest research and other activities.
They warned that placing such organisations under a new regulatory system could make them vulnerable to government pressure and create an atmosphere in which journalists and civil society groups would be forced to avoid issues considered sensitive by those in authority.
“The bill could have serious consequences for independent journalism, as many media and civil society organisations depend on foreign grants to support investigative reporting, fact-checking, journalist safety and other activities that serve the public interest,” they said.
“The proposed regulatory framework could increase government pressure on independent organisations and create conditions that encourage self-censorship.”
The organisations also raised concerns about the language used in the bill, saying some of its key terms were too vague.
They specifically mentioned terms such as “foreign aid”, “national priorities” and “public interest”, arguing that the bill did not clearly define them or provide objective standards for determining how they should be applied.
“The Bill also employs vague concepts such as ‘foreign aid’, ‘national priorities’ and ‘public interest’ without defining them or establishing objective legal standards to govern their application,” they said.
SERAP and NGE argued that such uncertainty could give government officials wide discretion in deciding which organisations or activities should be allowed to receive or use foreign assistance.
They maintained that the proposed law therefore failed to meet what they described as constitutional and international human rights requirements of legality, necessity and proportionality.
The groups further argued that provisions requiring mandatory registration, disclosure, inspections and sanctions could affect rights protected by the Nigerian Constitution.
They cited Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and freedom of association.
Section 39 provides for freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and receive and impart ideas and information without interference. Section 40 protects the right of citizens to freely assemble and associate with others.
SERAP and NGE said any new law regulating organisations must respect these rights and should not be used to restrict legitimate criticism, public debate or independent activities.
The concerns come at a time when civil society organisations and media groups continue to play an important role in monitoring government policies, exposing alleged corruption and demanding accountability from public officials.
Non-governmental organisations also provide support in areas such as human rights, education, health, humanitarian assistance and community development. Some of these organisations receive grants from international donors and development partners to fund their activities.
The proposed legislation has therefore raised questions about how new registration and reporting requirements could affect their operations.
SERAP and NGE said the National Assembly should focus on strengthening existing regulatory institutions rather than creating another system that could interfere with the activities of legitimate organisations.
They urged Akpabio and Abbas to ensure that lawmakers do not pass legislation that could weaken democratic institutions or limit the ability of Nigerians to participate freely in public affairs.
The organisations also linked their concerns to the approach of the 2027 general elections.
They warned that restrictions on civil society organisations, journalists and other independent groups could have a wider effect on public debate and citizens’ ability to scrutinise political parties and candidates ahead of the elections.
“We also called on lawmakers to avoid introducing legislation that could weaken democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections,” they said.
The groups maintained that the National Assembly has a constitutional duty not only to make laws but also to protect democracy and the rights of citizens.
They therefore called on lawmakers to reject any attempt to use legislative powers to restrict legitimate public participation or silence critical voices.
The debate over regulation of foreign-funded organisations is not new in Nigeria. Successive governments have raised concerns about transparency in the funding and operations of non-governmental organisations, especially where funds come from foreign sources.
Supporters of tighter regulation often argue that greater disclosure can help prevent fraud, money laundering and the misuse of foreign funds. However, rights groups and media organisations have consistently warned that excessive regulation could be used to control independent organisations and limit criticism of government.
For SERAP and NGE, existing institutions already have enough powers to address financial crimes, tax violations and other forms of abuse.
They therefore want the National Assembly to withdraw SB.1034 rather than create what they described as a potentially intrusive regulatory structure.