Amanze Chinonye
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have urged the National Assembly to withdraw a proposed law regulating foreign aid, warning that it could undermine civic space, media freedom and democratic participation in Nigeria, Prime Business Africa reports.
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The organisations said the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034), sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo of the Peoples Democratic Party representing Gombe North, would give the government sweeping powers over civil society organisations, independent media, religious and humanitarian groups and other entities receiving foreign assistance.
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In a joint open letter dated Aug. 29 and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare and NGE General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, the groups urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reject the bill and commit against reintroducing legislation that would unjustifiably restrict civic freedoms.
The proposed legislation would establish a Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission (FARC) with powers to register organisations receiving foreign assistance, compel disclosure of funding and project information, inspect records, conduct audits, monitor the use of funds, issue directives and impose administrative sanctions.
Recipients would also be required to disclose the sources, amounts, conditions and implementing partners associated with foreign assistance, with the information placed on a proposed National Foreign Aid Register.
SERAP and NGE said the bill’s sanctions were particularly concerning, citing a minimum fine of 20 million naira for civil society organisations and private entities, as well as possible suspension or revocation of operating licences. Individuals could also face fines and imprisonment for non-compliance, they said.
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.
They said the bill had not demonstrated any regulatory gap that would justify creating another agency with overlapping powers.
SERAP and NGE also criticised what they described as vague provisions relating to “foreign aid”, “national priorities” and “public interest”, arguing that the lack of clear definitions could allow arbitrary or selective enforcement.
They said additional government oversight could expose independent media organisations and civil society groups to pressure and encourage self-censorship, particularly because many rely on foreign grants for investigative journalism, fact-checking, journalist safety, media development and other public-interest activities.
The groups said the proposed framework could also affect labour unions, professional associations, universities, research institutions, religious organisations, humanitarian groups and technology hubs that lawfully receive foreign grants, donations or technical assistance.
They argued that the bill was incompatible with Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and association, and inconsistent with Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The organisations also linked their concerns to Nigeria’s approach to the 2027 general elections, saying additional restrictions on civic organisations and independent media could further narrow democratic participation.
They cited what they described as increasing use of criminal defamation and cybercrime laws against journalists and activists, arbitrary arrests over peaceful expression and strategic lawsuits against public participation as examples of existing pressure on civic actors.
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SERAP and NGE called on lawmakers to prioritise legislation that strengthens transparency and accountability while protecting media freedom, civic participation and an enabling environment for civil society, humanitarian and private organisations.
They warned that if the bill is passed despite their constitutional and human rights objections, they would consider taking legal action in the public interest to challenge the legislation and defend freedom of association, media freedom and civic participation.
The proposed law therefore sets up a broader debate over how Nigeria can improve transparency around foreign-funded activities without creating regulatory powers that civil society and media organisations say could be used to restrict their independence.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
