The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have warned that they may take the National Assembly to court if lawmakers pass the proposed Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026.
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The two organisations raised their concerns in a joint letter dated August 29 and addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
They called on both leaders and the National Assembly to reject the bill, arguing that its proposed rules could place additional restrictions on civil society groups, independent media, religious bodies and private organisations that receive financial support from outside Nigeria.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo of the Peoples Democratic Party, Gombe North, seeks to introduce new registration and reporting requirements for organisations that receive foreign assistance.
It also proposes the creation of a Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission with powers to register affected organisations, request information, inspect records, investigate activities and monitor how foreign assistance is used.
The proposed commission would also be able to issue directives and take administrative action, including suspending approvals or cancelling registrations in cases of alleged non-compliance.
SERAP and NGE said the proposed system could place too much control in the hands of government and create difficulties for organisations that depend on foreign grants to carry out their work.
They raised particular concerns about independent media organisations and civil society groups that use foreign funding for investigative journalism, fact-checking, journalist protection, media development and other public-interest activities.
The organisations also questioned the need for another regulatory body, arguing that Nigeria already has several agencies responsible for areas such as company registration, financial reporting, taxation, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption.
Among the institutions they referred to are the Corporate Affairs Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and Federal Inland Revenue Service.
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SERAP and NGE argued that the proposed legislation had not shown that the existing agencies were unable to carry out their responsibilities or that a new commission was needed to fill a clear regulatory gap.
They also criticised some of the terms used in the bill, saying concepts such as foreign aid, national priorities and public interest needed clearer definitions and objective rules.
According to the organisations, unclear provisions could give authorities wide room to decide which activities or organisations should be affected by the law.
They further warned that the proposed penalties could place heavy financial and operational pressure on organisations. The bill provides for fines of at least N20 million for some civil society organisations and private entities, as well as possible suspension or cancellation of operating licences.
Individuals who fail to comply could also face fines and imprisonment under the prposed law.
The groups said the proposed measures were especially concerning as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, when civil society organisations and the media are expected to play important roles in public debate and civic participation.
They argued that additional government control over independent organisations could affect freedom of expression, freedom of association and the ability of civic groups to operate without undue interference.
SERAP and NGE also said the bill could affect humanitarian, religious and charitable organisations that depend on funding from international partners to provide services and carry out their activities.
They based their objections partly on constitutional protections for freedom of expression and association, as well as Nigeria’s obligations under international and regional human rights agreements.
The organisations urged the National Assembly to drop the bill and instead focus on measures that promote transparency and accountability without placing unnecessary restrictions on civil society, the media and other legitimate organisations.
They warned that if the bill is passed despite their concerns, they are prepared to pursue legal action to challenge its provisions and seek protection for civic participation, freedom of association and media freedom.
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