August 30, 2026
..Call it blatant assault on civic space, media freedom
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have urged the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to “immediately reject and withdraw the Foreign Aids (Regulation, Transparency and Disclosure) Bill, 2026 (SB.1034), as the Bill is unnecessary, unlawful, unconstitutional and threatens civic space, media freedom and democratic participation in Nigeria.”
The organisations said, “if enacted, the Bill would establish an extensive framework for governmental control over civil society organisations, independent media, religious organisations and other organisations and private entities receiving foreign assistance.”
The Bill, sponsored by Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe North), proposes mandatory registration and disclosure requirements and provides for sanctions, including a minimum fine of N20 million for civil society organisations and private entities, as well as possible suspension or revocation of operating licences.
