The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have urged the National Assembly to immediately reject the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034), warning that it could undermine civic space, media freedom and democratic participation.
In a joint open letter dated 29 August 2026 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare and NGE General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, the organisations called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to withdraw the bill.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe North), proposes mandatory registration and disclosure requirements for organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance. It also provides sanctions, including a minimum fine of N20 million for civil society organisations and private entities, as well as possible suspension or revocation of operating licences.
SERAP and NGE said the proposed law, although presented as a transparency measure, would create an extensive framework for government control over civil society organisations, independent media, religious organisations, humanitarian groups and other entities receiving foreign assistance.
They said the bill would establish a proposed Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC) with powers to register affected organisations, compel information, inspect records, investigate activities, monitor the use of foreign assistance, issue directives and impose administrative sanctions.
The organisations argued that Nigeria already has 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.
“Nothing in the Bill demonstrates that these institutions are unable to perform their statutory responsibilities or that any regulatory gap justifies creating another regulator with overlapping and potentially intrusive powers,” they said.
SERAP and NGE also criticised what they described as vague provisions relating to “foreign aid”, “national priorities” and “public interest”, arguing that the terms lack clear legal definitions and objective standards.
They warned that independent media organisations and civil society groups could face increased government pressure and interference, potentially encouraging self-censorship.
The organisations said foreign grants support activities including investigative journalism, fact-checking, journalist safety, media development and other public-interest initiatives.
They further warned that religious, humanitarian and charitable organisations, labour unions, professional associations, universities, research institutes and technology hubs could also fall within the bill’s regulatory scope if they receive foreign grants, donations, technical assistance or development funding.
According to SERAP and NGE, the proposed penalties would make the legislation particularly concerning, with organisations facing substantial fines, suspension or revocation of operating licences, while individuals could face fines and imprisonment for non-compliance.
They argued that the bill is incompatible with Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and association, and is also inconsistent with international and regional human rights instruments.
The organisations also linked their concerns to Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 general elections, saying the legislation could further shrink civic space and affect democratic participation.
They cited what they described as the use of criminal defamation and cybercrime laws against journalists and activists, strategic lawsuits against public participation, arbitrary arrests over peaceful expression and other efforts to increase government control over civic actors.
SERAP and NGE urged the National Assembly to reject the bill, strengthen legislation promoting transparency and accountability while protecting media freedom and civic participation, and refrain from measures that could undermine democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms.
They added that if the bill is passed despite the concerns raised, they would consider taking “all appropriate legal action in the public interest” to challenge it and protect freedom of association, media freedom and civic participation.
