SERAP, NGE fault foreign aid bill, demand withdrawal

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have expressed strong opposition to the proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, urging the National Assembly to reject it. The organisations assert that the Bill could jeopardize Nigeria's civic space, media freedom, and democratic participation.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Ibrahim Dankwambo, is described as "unnecessary, unlawful, unconstitutional and a threat" to these essential aspects of Nigerian society. If enacted, the Bill would impose extensive government control over civil society organizations, independent media entities, religious bodies, and private entities receiving foreign aid.

Mandatory registration and disclosure requirements for foreign aid recipients, along with significant penalties for non-compliance, would be introduced. SERAP and NGE argue that Nigeria already possesses sufficient regulatory bodies to oversee financial activities and ensure accountability, rendering the proposed regulatory commission redundant.

They also express concerns over the Bill's vague language, particularly regarding terms like "foreign aid," "national priorities," and "public interest," which lack clear definitions and objective legal standards. The lack of specificity could lead to arbitrary enforcement and potential violations of constitutional and international human rights standards.

The organizations warn that the proposed regulatory commission would possess sweeping powers to register organizations, compel disclosures, investigate activities, monitor foreign assistance, and impose sanctions, thereby exposing legitimate organizations to intrusive governmental supervision. Furthermore, placing independent media organizations and civil society groups under an additional executive-controlled regulatory framework could pressure their independence, discourage investigative journalism, and foster self-censorship.

The Bill may also impact public-interest activities reliant on foreign grants, such as investigative journalism and journalist safety programs. SERAP and NGE contend that the proposed legislation contravenes fundamental constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression and association, as well as international human rights standards.

They urge lawmakers to withdraw and reject the Bill, warning that if enacted, they will pursue legal action to challenge its constitutionality and protect freedom of expression and association.