Foreign Assistance Regulation: SERAP, Guild of Editors Urge National Assembly to Withdraw Proposed Law

Chuks Okocha from Abuja reports that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have urged the National Assembly to withdraw a proposed law aimed at regulating foreign assistance organizations. In a joint statement, Kolawole Oluwadare, Deputy Director of SERAP, and Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary of the Guild, argued that the legislation could undermine media freedom and civil society space ahead of the 2027 elections.

The proposed Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, is criticized by the groups as unnecessary and unconstitutional, giving the government extensive control over civil society groups, independent media, religious bodies, and other organizations receiving foreign funding. The bill, proposed by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, seeks to create a Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission with the authority to register organizations, require disclosure of funding details, conduct inspections, monitor activities, and impose sanctions.

SERAP and NGE assert that existing government bodies already oversee financial transactions, taxation, and money laundering, making the new commission redundant. They also contend that the legislation could lead to excessive government surveillance, potentially resulting in self-censorship among independent media and civil society groups.

The organisations argue that the bill may infringe on freedom of expression and association, and conflict with Nigeria's international human rights commitments. They warn that passing the bill could further restrict Nigeria's civic space during the intense political climate leading up to the 2027 elections. SERAP and NGE call on lawmakers to reject the bill and instead focus on creating legislation that enhances transparency, accountability, media freedom, and democratic participation, threatening legal action if the National Assembly moves forward with the legislation despite the raised concerns.