CSOs Raise Alarm, Seek Withdrawal of Foreign Aid Bill

A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the National Assembly to withdraw the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, warning that its provisions could place new restrictions on civic organisations and humanitarian activities.

The groups made the demand during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, describing the proposed legislation as a threat to civic space, freedom of association and independent humanitarian work.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, seeks to regulate and monitor foreign aid, including funding received by non-governmental organisations and civil society organisations. It has passed first and second readings in the Senate and was referred to the Senate Committee on Civil Society and Development Partners for further consideration.

Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Odeh Friday, said the proposed law lacked sufficient safeguards against possible abuse of regulatory powers.

He raised concerns about provisions requiring foreign aid to receive official approval and align with government development priorities, arguing that such requirements could affect organisations involved in holding public institutions accountable.

The coalition also criticised provisions that could lead to the suspension or revocation of an organisation’s operational licence.

The organisations said Nigeria already has several institutions and laws for monitoring non-profit organisations and their finances, including the Corporate Affairs Commission, Financial Reporting Council, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit and Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering.

Strategic Lead for Democracy, Rights and Public Sector at Gatefield, Abdulrahman Adebayo, said the proposed National Foreign Aid Register could duplicate existing transparency mechanisms.

He pointed to the Nigeria Development Cooperation Dashboard, launched by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in 2024, which provides information on development cooperation flows, including planned and actual disbursements by donor, sector and state.

The coalition argued that strengthening the existing system and linking it more closely to the national budget could improve transparency without establishing another regulatory structure.

Executive Director of DigiCivic Initiative, Mojirayo Ogunlana, also expressed concern about the proposed penalties. She said individuals could face imprisonment and fines for violations, while organisations could face substantial fines, suspension or loss of their operational status.

The coalition further questioned what it described as selective transparency requirements focused on foreign-funded organisations, arguing that similar disclosure standards should apply to other organisations receiving significant public or private funding.

The groups urged the Senate to stop further consideration of the bill and withdraw it, while calling on religious organisations, student groups, diaspora networks and other community associations to join the campaign against the proposed legislation.