SERAP, NGE fault foreign aid bill, demand withdrawal

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have strongly opposed a proposed Foreign Aid (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026, stating that it could undermine Nigeria's civic space, media freedom and democratic participation. The organizations issued a joint open letter on August 29, 2026, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.

The bill, sponsored by Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe North), is described as "unnecessary, unlawful, unconstitutional and a threat to civic space, media freedom and democratic participation in Nigeria." SERAP and NGE argue that it would create an extensive framework for governmental control over civil society organizations, independent media, religious bodies and private entities receiving foreign aid.

If passed, the legislation would mandate registration and disclosure requirements for those receiving foreign assistance, imposing penalties including fines and potential license revocation.

SERAP and NGE assert that Nigeria already possesses institutions capable of regulating financial activities and ensuring accountability, rendering the proposed Foreign Aid Regulatory Commission redundant. They question the necessity of creating another regulator with potentially intrusive powers when existing agencies like the Corporate Affairs Commission, EFCC, SCUMLA, NIFCU and Nigeria Revenue Service are already equipped to handle such tasks.

The organizations also expressed concerns over the bill's vague provisions, particularly those related to "foreign aid," "national priorities" and "public interest." They argue that these ambiguous terms could lead to arbitrary enforcement, potentially violating constitutional and international human rights standards. SERAP and NGE warn that the bill's sweeping powers would subject legitimate organizations, including independent media, civil society groups, and private entities, to intrusive governmental supervision and interference.

They caution that placing independent media and civil society groups under an additional executive-controlled regulatory framework could create pressure on their independence, potentially leading to self-censorship. The bill's impact on investigative journalism, fact-checking initiatives, journalist safety programs and other public-interest activities reliant on foreign grants is also a significant concern for SERAP and NGE.

The groups link the proposed legislation to worries over Nigeria's shrinking civic space leading up to the 2027 general elections, emphasizing that the bill would further threaten fundamental rights, democratic participation and media freedom. They urge lawmakers to immediately reject the bill, citing inconsistencies with sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution and various international human rights instruments.

SERAP and NGE pledge not to introduce legislation that would restrict the activities of civil society organizations, private entities and independent media if the bill is passed despite the serious constitutional and human rights concerns raised.